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Scooter riders sought to help set world record

Wanted: 1,000 people to ride scooters. No experience necessary. You just have to stay upright on a scooter, a tiny platform for 30 minutes while pushing off with one foot and then the other - over and over and over again.

Batavia's Randy Simonian is leading the drive to get kids (ages 10 and older), moms, dads and, yes, grandmas and grandpas, to head down to the Riverwalk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, for the Longest Kick Scooter Parade.

Simonian is hoping this scooter parade will be one for the record books, as in Guinness World Records. The current title for the Longest Scooter Parade is held by the 489 people who finished the course in Taranaki Scooter-licious parade that was help in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 2013.

If you think this is just a fun scoot in the park, think again. Randy Simonian had to complete a 17-page application just to get our Batavia parade recognized by Guinness. He knows what's required and he knows how to make it fun. For his day job, he works as an event planner.

"I'm hoping for 1,000 participants," said Simonian. "It only costs $5 to participate, and the proceeds will go to Batavia's United Way and Chip-in."

Randy Simonian is familiar with charitable events. In the past he has successfully organized the "Helping 100 Homeless" trip that takes Batavians into Chicago at Christmas to offer assistance and fellowship to the homeless.

Simonian, a father of three, hopes that not just kids, but families, will join the scooter parade.

"I have a scooter and I go out with my girls," he said. "But the most important thing is getting kids away from all the technology and doing something fun and worthwhile for the day."

If you drive around Batavia, you'll spot them - kids on scooters getting ready for the big parade. Included in that group are 11-year-old Ellie and 7-year-old Anthony Alholm. Anthony is not old enough to participate, but he is training with his sister to help her get ready for the big day.

"I make sure her scootering is smooth," said Anthony.

In scooter language, smooth means keeping the scooter on the straight and narrow. No wiggling allowed.

"He's a very good coach," said Ellie, "especially for his age."

Of course Ellie originally taught her younger brother how to scoot. She got her first scooter when she was 2; it was a small pink one.

"She liked to scoot around on it with her eyes closed," said her mom, Julie Alholm.

Ellie is participating in the Longest Kick Scooter Parade for the fun of it. She is also doing it for the charitable effort.

"I know about Chip-In," she said. "I like the idea that it is people helping people."

This parade is for kick scooters only. Motorized scooters will not be allowed to participate. Skate boards are also not allowed. However, kick scooters with large wheels are allowed.

The two-mile route begins at the Depot Museum on Houston Street and heads north to Fabyan Park and then returns on the same route back to Batavia. The parade begins promptly at 10 a.m. so participants need to be at registration by 9 a.m. at the Peg Bond Center.

You don't have to be from Batavia to participate, but you do need to sign up at www.worldrecordbatavia.com/. If you sign up by Saturday, April 18, you'll be entered in a drawing to lead the parade. The event takes place rain or shine.

Plan to scoot on down to the Riverwalk on Saturday, April 25, and support the parade participants. You'll be able to enjoy some great music and the fun of a DJ. as well as a demonstration by Sky High Scooters.

If you go

What: World Record Batavia 2015: Longest Kick Scooter Parade

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25; registration begins at 9 a.m.

Where: Batavia Riverwalk and west bike path

Who: Open to anyone age 10 or older from any community

How much: $5 donation for United Way and Chip-In

Details: <a href="http://www.worldrecordbatavia.com">www.worldrecordbatavia.com</a>

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