10,036 shades of cranberry

Record-breaking cranberry string

By Sarah Bergen

Rider found its niche in the Guinness Book of Records on Nov. 8 when those who so passionately bleed cranberry spent hours stringing 10,036 cranberries to create a new record.

The “Cran Crew,” a group of student volunteers, led a mixed team of students, staff and President Rozanski to beat the previous fruit-stringing record by over 4,000 berries. Sophomore behavioral neuroscience major Sashawna Osbourne was one of the volunteers who spent time counting cranberries.

“This is a fun activity that everyone can participate in,” said Osbourne. “It’s awesome that Rider is going to be known for something so cool.”

Rider alumna and donor of the cranberries Judy Simons Church, ’80, taught those present the ins and outs of growing cranberries and handed out Ocean Spray treats. This feat was one of many celebrations that took place throughout Family Weekend.

After the last berry was strung, the berries were draped around trees on the back of the Lawrenceville campus. The threads — strung with biodegradable strung in an effort to be sustainable — and currently providing local wildlife with fruity treats.