Word: bercethons
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...Montreal pianist, Andre Mathieu, an idea; he staged a pianothon, played continuously for 21 hours, and was promptly challenged and outdone by another musician, who played six hours longer. A merchant in Shawinigan Falls (pop. 26,903) recalled the rocking-chair marathons of the '30s, and promoted a bercethon in his store window...
Although other kinds of marathons were dreamed up, including even a haircutting marathon for barbers, the bercethon really caught on. Local dignitaries presided as judges. Business firms sponsored entries. Prizes, raised by contributions from eager crowds, ranged up to $1,000 for the contestant who could stay awake, rest only three minutes every three hours, keep one foot on the floor at all times, and outrock his rivals. The current champion is Aime Lavoie, a 33-year-old Cap St. Ignace deckhand, who rocked for 81 hours, 3 minutes and 52 seconds...
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