By JESSE GRAHAM
HUNDREDS of gnomes descended on Tecoma over the weekend, in an attempt to topple the world record for gathering of gnomes and a family fun day.
Brightly coloured hats and vests filled the car park at the Tecoma Primary School on Sunday 4 May, in a bid to break the record number of people dressed as gnomes.
Altogether, 446 people turned out on the day in their best gnome outfit, though the attempt fell short of its goal of 479.The event was organised by the No McDonald’s in the Dandenong Ranges Group, which has used gnomes as part of its campaign against the multinational.
No McDonald’s in the Dandenong Ranges spokesperson Garry Muratore said that, though the numbers fell short of the goal and the rain wreaked havoc, it was still a success.
“The vibe from the whole day was that it was a great family day,” he said.
He said a sausage sizzle run at the event helped to raise money for local CFA brigades, but the final donation amount had yet to be calculated.
A local Justice of the Peace helped to audit the day, to ensure that strict Guinness Book of World Records standards for gnomes were upheld.
According to Mr Muratore, to be counted as a gnome for the world record attempt, men needed to wear a pointy hat, a vest, overalls and boots, while women needed to wear a dress, apron and pointy hat.
However, he said that some participants chose to swap gender roles for their outfits.
Mr Muratore said the record attempt showed the community was “voting with its feet” against the controversial restaurant, which opened its doors last month, and that the group will look at another record attempt next year.
