It was a perfect day to set a world record. The sky was clear, wind gentle and soil soft for pushing stakes into the ground to hold the 560 panels of the world's largest foot-painted canvas. Right on schedule, the crew of community volunteers closed in on the last corner of the painting. Then the announcement floated across the field: all volunteers needed back in place. The Guinness World Record adjudicator Michael Empric had notified the Town of Basalt, organizers of the event, that the grass showing between the panels would disqualify the attempt.

For the next two hours, heated volunteers were back on the job. Every stake was pulled and each panel realigned. The sun got hotter and the dirt harder, but not a single complaint was heard. Finally, some time before noon as the last strip of art - the rich yellow one heralding "Town of Basalt - World Record 2015" - was stretched in place and secured, we heard the word that the job was done and alterations accepted. The dapper Mr. Empric read a statement announcing that Basalt had successfully set a world record, placing our town among the legions of record-setters since 1955 - oldest gymnast, youngest reader, longest kissers, most pull-ups and thousands more - all extolling strength, speed, creativity, daring and the unusual.

Today and until a town as incredible as ours comes together feet dipped in multicolored paints, Basalt, CO holds the record for the largest painting created purely by foot and paw prints - 21,752.83 square feet. The last successful fete accompli of this kind was in 2012 in Hong Kong and covered just 18,134 square feet.

The event was not simply an exercise in placing among world record makers and breakers. "It has brought our community together and demonstrates that we can accomplish something amazing when we all work together," said Town Manager Mike Scanlon who spearheaded the project.

Like the Our Town Planning process that is helping to paint a picture for the downtown core with ideas and mapping from hundreds of local residents and business people, Barefoot in Basalt was designed to highlight and celebrate our ongoing unity and camaraderie. Among those leaving their footprints were government officials, teachers, the arts and recreation community, community volunteers, 672 elementary schoolchildren, 432 middle school kids and 50 high schoolers. Basalt Assistant Town Manager Judi Tippetts led the community-wide effort with Impact Marketing president Mary Kenyon and received support from sponsors Holy Cross Energy, Basalt Education Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, along with the Town of Basalt and others. For more information on how it all came about, visit BarefootInBasalt.com.

   
A full slate of new and lively events is rolling out this summer for Basalt residents and valley visitors. After skyrocketing to Guinness World Record fame, Basalt offers Habitat for Humanity Community Party this Sunday and Lemonade Days at the end of the month in downtown Basalt. August kicks off with the " All-In Community Country Dance" and closes with Motors on Midland both on Midland Avenue. The Chile Chili Festival debuts September 19 in Willits Town Center. Beginning July 8, every Wednesday until August 12, music returns to Lions Park with the " Basalt ArtsBeat & Summer Concert Series." The Basalt Sunday Market is back as of this Sunday, June 14, and Basalt Bike Nights continues every first Tuesday of the month at different restaurants downtown. Download the full 2015-2016 Basalt Events Calendar, watch for updates and spread the word. Basalt is rocking!