While Keene works to break its own world record Saturday for most lit pumpkins, this weekend, word has come from the Guinness World Records that the state set another record this summer.On Aug. 3, 2014, 396 canoes and kayaks were launched off of Weirs Beach at Endicott Rock Park in Laconia and onto Lake Winnipesaukee within a 15-second window, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous launch of canoes and kayaks.The effort, organized by the New Hampshire Lakes Association, shattered the previous record of 308 canoes and kayaks set by a group in Tasmania.The Guinness World Record attempt was the feature activity of LakeFest 2014: Raft-a-Palooza, an all-day family-friendly festival and educational event hosted by NH LAKES on Aug. 3.While the organization had its sights set on bringing the record to New Hampshire, they had an even bigger goal -- to educate as many boaters as possible about how to protect New Hampshire’s lakes from the spread of harmful aquatic plants and animals.Before lining up their boats along the sands of Weirs Beach to get into position for the launch attempt, paddlers were taught by NH LAKES Lake Hosts how to inspect, and then clean, drain and dry their boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals. Aquatic invasive species, like milfoil and Asian clams, can be spread between water bodies on boating, fishing and recreational equipment that has not been properly cleaned, drained or dried before being launched or used in another water body.“Aquatic invasive species are unwanted in our lakes as they not only alter the natural ecology, they degrade boating, swimming, and fishing areas, are difficult and expensive to manage, and are nearly impossible to get rid of once they are well-established” explains Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES Vice President.While only approximately 80 of New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes contain invasive species, NH LAKES urges all boaters -- including canoeists and kayakers -- to do their part to prevent the spread by always taking time to clean, drain and dry their vessels and gear before and after boating. To learn more about this simple procedure, visit www.nhlakes.org/lake-host.Meanwhile, over in Keene, an effort will be undertaken Saturday evening to break their own record for lit jack-o'-lanterns.It is free and from noon to 8:30 p.m. in the downtown.The event last year was able to set a new world record with 30,581 lit jack-o'-lanterns.Bring your own to add to this year's event and you can participate in many of the activities planned.At 4 p.m. the lighting begins and by 6:30 all the jack-o’-lanterns are lit.From 6:50-6:55 p.m. the Guinness World Record Attempt is logged and at8 p.m., the count is announced.Find more information at http://pumpkinfestival2014.org/.19003418