Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Dad Sets World High-Fiving Record in Times Square


By

Jaya Saxena

Published Aug 22, 2010

Modified Aug 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jaya Saxena

Published Aug 22, 2010

Modified Aug 22, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Sam Kass of West Nyack set a new Guinness World Record with the help of some friendly strangers in Times Square. The 49-year-old dad collected 3,132 high-fives in a 24-hour period, standing in the middle of the tourist hub and asking anyone nearby to give his gloved hand a good slap. His son told the Daily News, "I never thought my dad would be one of those crazies in Times Square. But here he is."

In an interview with LoHud, Kass said he never planned on breaking any world records, but was inspired by an article in Sports Illustrated. He said, "The article mentioned that there was actually a world record in the Guinness Book. The record is 3,131, set outside of a Dunkin' Donuts in Providence, R.I., in 2008. I made an off-handed remark to my son that if a guy could get that many in that place, imagine how many I could get in Times Square."

The stunt wasn't just for fun; Kass high-fived his way through the crowds to raise money the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Center. He also said he doesn't want the next person to break the record to have it as easy as he did. "I want to keep going," said Kass after his record breaking high-five. "I don't want any other crazy to think about breaking the mark I set here today."

Tagged

guinness world record

high five

Times Square

world record


Jaya Saxena

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?

Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.

By

Lindsay Lee Wallace

Published Oct 8, 2026


Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?

If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?

If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.

By

James Ramsay


What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.

By

Jayson Greene

Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City

By

Sonia Rao

Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries

By

Alec Hamilton


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .