NEWPORT — Ever have the inkling to help set a Guinness World Record?
If so, get to the Newport Common from 10-11 a.m. this Saturday to join others in simultaneously making a bouquet of flowers in an attempt to establish — and set — a world record during the Newport Sunflower Festival.
The bouquets will feature sunflowers, which residents have been growing this summer as part of a program started by the Newport Sunshine Initiative, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to revitalize the Sullivan County town. You do not need to be a Newport resident to participate.
“We’ve got so much town spirit for this thing,” said Jay Lucas, a Newport native who founded the organization. “The sunflowers growing all over town are just incredible.”
In order to set the record, a minimum of 250 people must make a bouquet, said Christine Benner, a Newport resident who is helping to plan the festival. A judge from the Guinness Book of World Records will be present in Newport to count and validate the record. So far, about 200 people have already registered for the event. Participants are asked to arrive prior to 11 a.m. to register. The record attempt will take place around 11:30 a.m. Following that, a festival featuring food trucks, music and activities for children will run until 2 p.m.
“Anyone who wants to come and participate, they’re welcome to come and join us,” Lucas said.
While people are invited to bring their own sunflowers, they do not have to. Supplies will be provided for all those who wish to join in.
In May, the Newport Sunshine Initiative and the town’s recreation department sent out about 3,000 seeds to residents and businesses throughout town.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” Benner said. “Everyone’s are starting to really bloom.”
Editor’s note: For more information, visit newportsunshine.org. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
