Kirby fans set bubble gum record

SEATTLE, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Nintendo fans gathered in Seattle to set a world record for the most people blowing chewing gum bubbles to mark the 20th anniversary of the "Kirby" video game.

Some 536 people came together at the PAX Prime video game conference Saturday to set a new Guinness World Records for the most people simultaneously blowing chewing gum bubbles that resemble the round, pink video game character Kirby, Nintendo of America said in a release.

"Kirby is no ordinary character, so it's not a surprise that his fans would go to extraordinary lengths to mark his 20th anniversary," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo is proud to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic following. Between this new world record and the upcoming launch of Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition, it's turning out to be one heck of an anniversary party."

Guinness World Records said the previous record holder for most people blowing bubbles with chewing gum was set by Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 27, 2010, with 304 participants.