Back in December 2024, a new Stilt Walking Guinness World Record display honouring Doug “the Great” Hunt and his achievements was officially unveiled at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.
While there were around 20 or so people in attendance, there was one notable figure absent from the event: David McKee, Brantford’s Town Crier.
“David couldn’t be here back in December when this was revealed because of some health reasons and we all missed having him with us, and he missed being there too,” said Hunt.
Knowing that McKee had already prepared his proclamation prior to the unveiling, Hunt wanted to make sure it didn’t go to waste and that McKee had his moment.
“I know he already had the proclamation prepared so we thought, ‘well, why not do it on Rogers TV with our friend Dave Carrol so everyone can see it,’” said Hunt.
Speaking about the appearance, the Town Crier said that given that he’s been around for many of Hunt’s big moments, he was glad that he finally got the chance to recognize him again.
“I have waited a long time for this. …I was so glad when Doug said we could figure out a way to make this happen because I wrote that cry probably two months before that unveiling and I had it all set to go,” said McKee. “I can still remember the very first time Doug made his attempt at the Civic Centre but the wind was so strong he didn’t do it. He kept at it though and ended up [setting the record] in a silo out at Pate’s Farm. Then I remember that at the opening of the Tourism Centre, which is now closed unfortunately, it was a great day to do the attempt and sure enough, he set the record then too. …It’s always been, as I say, an honour to work with Doug on all of these [attempts]; both the failures and the successes.”
On top of the televised cry, Kimberly Wyskiel, Brantford’s Director of Parks and Recreation, also agreed to have the McKee’s proclamation framed and added to Hunt’s display.
“It took us a little while to get it up, but it’s there now and it looks great,” said Hunt.
“It’s nice to have everything up there now, I think that years down the road, people are going to be looking at this and think, ‘wow,’” added McKee.
For anyone who is interested is seeing the Town Crier make his proclamation, you can tune into Rogers TV (Cable 20) on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 p.m., Thursday, March 13 at 8:00 a.m. and at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m., Monday, March 17 at 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
