On Dec. 1, 2024, Ashland, Ohio, was officially awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest display of illuminated metal structures or sculptures. 

Not only did Ashland secure the record, but it also became the first city to attempt and succeed in this particular Guinness World Record. 

The record-setting display is located on the Candy Cane Trail at Freer Field. 

“I’ve never been involved in a record where a city has actually attempted [and succeeded in] a record,” said Brittany Dunn, an official adjudicator for Guinness World Records. 

The previous record was 400 structures, but Ashland surpassed it with 776. 

“I can confirm I officially counted 776 trees, [and] I counted several times to be exact,” Dunn said. 

How the Record Was Judged 

Dunn spent approximately two hours on the day of the announcement counting all the illuminated structures along the trail. 

“Now, with all of our records, we have a strict set of guidelines that must be followed,” Dunn said. 

Ashland had to adhere to a detailed set of rules, requiring months of planning and preparation. 

To qualify, each structure had to be a recognizable image—abstract designs were not allowed. Dunn confirmed the image chosen for Ashland’s display was a Christmas tree. 

Additionally, none of the pieces could be connected, and all structures had to remain separate. For the display to count, all lights had to remain illuminated for a minimum of five minutes. 

Where the Idea Began 

The idea to break a Guinness World Record started as a joke last year. 

Rhonda and Dick Poorbaugh, owners of Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, approached Mayor Matt Miller after the first year of the Candy Cane Trail. 

“We were trying to figure out how to make it even better next year,” Miller said. “We joked that we needed to become one of the biggest shows around.”