POUGHKEEPSIE – A new world record was set on the Walkway Over the Hudson Saturday, when 2,569 individuals stood side by side on the bridge to perform the largest line dance in history.

The event raised funds needed for a new visitor center for the scenic park operated by the New York State Parks Department.

Shortly after 9 a.m., organizers gave the signal from a tent near the central flagpole, while volunteers served as dance coaches along the length of the mile-long span. Music played a version of  “Hokey-Pokey,” sung by Athens resident Laurie McIntosh, over portable radios spread out every 15 feet.

While the crowd performed a simple four-step variation, their coordinated movements vibrated the bridge structure, as half a million pounds of people “shaked it all about,” as per the lyrics of this popular folk tune.

The previous record for a continuous line dance was set by 2354 Estonians four years ago, according to Guiness World Records adjudicator Danny Girton Jr., who works out of the New York office of the London-based company.

Girton observed the performance to assure accuracy of the head count. Turnstiles were used to tally registered participants entering on each side of the bridge that connects Poughkeepsie with Highland.

Cheers rang out when Girton officially confirmed the achievement, as a helicopter flew overhead to capture the jubilation from above.