Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Attempts Guinness World Records Title at IAAPA Expo

In true Ripley’s fashion, Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and vice chair of the IAAPA Board of Directors is shaving his beard at IAAPA Expo and adding it to Hoss, the Guinness World Records contender for the Largest Ball of Human Hair.

Launching Nov. 15, Ripley’s “Shave the Beard and Make it Weird!” campaign was concocted to support Give Kids The World Village, the whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Pattison told his team he wouldn’t shave until all Ripley’s Attractions were reopened worldwide. With over 100 attractions in 10 countries, this was no small feat. Today, Ripley’s is proud to have successfully and safely reopened attractions in all but two countries. IAAPA Expo, taking place in person for the first time since 2019, offers the perfect platform to finally shave his COVID-beard and launch this fundraising initiative.

“With a shared goal of inspiring, supporting, and spreading joy to families, Ripley’s has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Give Kids The World Village,” says Pamela Landwirth, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “Ripley’s continues its support by matching the donations raised by the Hoss Hairball up to $10,000, with all proceeds donated to make dreams come true for families facing unimaginable challenges.”

IAAPA Expo attendees are encouraged to participate by contributing their own hair to Hoss the Hairball at the Give Kids The World Village booth (#4233) on the trade show floor at the Orange County Convention Center, as well as donating to Give Kids The World Village. Attendees do not have to contribute hair to make a charitable donation. 

“Initially created by stylist Steve Warden, Hoss eclipsed 100 pounds in 2019,” explains Pattison. “Since then, over 1,000 Ripley’s fans have personally contributed to the hairball’s weight. With over 20,000 attendees expected to take part in the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, we are hopeful we will surpass the World Record—all in the name of a good cause!”

Pattison’s beard will get shaved and added to Hoss the Hairball on the IAAPA Expo trade show floor on Friday, Nov.19, at 11 a.m.

• To learn more about Ripley’s “Shave the Beard and Make it Weird!” campaign or donate to Give Kids The World, visit Ripleys.com/GKTW.