
Wizard of Oz fever which is gripping Frome, is spreading throughout the world in this 75th anniversary year of the iconic film. As the town prepares to take on its own attempt to smash the record of the most people dressed as characters from the film next month, other Wizard of Oz gatherings and events are planned in America, Dubai and around the world.
The current record holder is Mile Oak Primary School in Portslade, Brighton, with 446 people.
Not surprisingly, the film’s anniversary is being marked in America. The Judy Garland Museum, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA, has a whole week of festivities planned to celebrate the anniversary which includes an attempt on the world record, while a school in Dubai has also made an attempt.
And The International Wizard of Oz Club in Chittenango, New York, birth place of L Frank Baum, author of ‘Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, held its National Convention this year with another record attempt. All the attempts so far are still awaiting ratification from Guinness World Records.
The organisers of the Frome Wizard of Oz world record attempt say that now is the time for everyone to stand up and be counted on Sunday 13th July.
They say, “This is our moment and certainly no time for cowardly lions! Local cancer charity, PAC, is supporting the attempt and the Westway Cinema will be showing the original film at 12.45pm on the day; a perfect end to the world record attempt for you and your children.
“If you are proud of this wonderful, merry old town of Frome, then get your ruby slippers on, fluff up your lion suit, dust down your scarecrow, oil up your tin man, slap on your green face paint, titivate your Munchkin and come on down for some fun to the Cheese and Grain on Sunday 13th July from 9.00am.
“It may be more difficult to break the record with these latest attempts, but we’re going to have a damn good go and a lot of fun trying!”
Susan Gatward, one of the sponsors from Kumon, will be at Asda supermarket in Frome on Saturday 28th June 10.00am – 2.00pm promoting the event with characters from the Wizard of Oz (costumes supplied by AbFab Costume Hire, Bath Street, Frome). You will be able to register and get any questions you may have answered.
For more information and help and to register online go to www.funtodressup.co.uk or the Facebook page.