On a recent road trip, I couldn’t resist the urge to turn off the highway as I glanced at the sign reading “World’s Largest Wind Chime” next exit. I turned off highway 64 and found myself in the tiny town of Casey, Illinois.
A mile or so of driving through “small town America” – I eventually landed at the advertised attraction: a gigantic wind chime. These sorts of sights always remind me of my favorite movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation with Chevy Chase. I mean who else would travel across the country, looking at stuff like this?
The wind chime is indeed massive. It’s over 55 feet tall. It weighs 16,932 pounds. According to the Guinness Book of World Records – it became a title holder in 2012 after surpassing the previous giant wind chime which was 16 feet shorter. (Wait… so you mean other people have actually been building these things?) In any event, it’s now the world’s largest wind chime.
According to the city’s website – a man named Jim Bolin spent two years building this thing. I once scoffed at the idea of building permits – but this might be enough to change my mind. These types of things are almost always in small towns where I’m sure regulations aren’t quite as stiff. I mean, I can just imagine one of my neighbors trying something like this. My street would probably be home to the “World’s Largest Paper Clip” or “World’s Largest Stapler Remover”. (Yes, I’m just naming random objects I see on my desk.)
Apparently this guy is quite the builder. He’s also built a giant golf tee and knitting needles – also world record holders. You just know the whole town is bracing itself for the next crazy idea this guy drums up in his garage.
Kidding aside – the monument got me to drive into their small town which was probably the idea to begin with. So mission accomplished, Mr. Bolin and Casey, Illinois.
Now if you’ll excuse me – I’m off to draw up plans and build the “World’s Largest Mouse Pad”.
