Anne Simmons
Old Gippstown is wishing for the magic moment when Gippsland families smash a world record for the highest number of fairies gathered in one place.
This weekend’s Fairies in the Park event will be the Moe heritage park’s third attempt at the feat.
The park’s main competitor is UK charity Anna’s Hope which holds the record of 878 fairies.
Old Gippstown finance and events coordinator Megan Curnick said the event was designed to put Gippsland on the map.
“It’s a fun day out. We find that the grown ups enjoy it just as much as the kids,” Ms Curnick said.
The Guinness World Records guidelines require participants wear wings and a tutu and carry a wand.
Ms Curnick said anything that hangs from the hips with flair was classed as a tutu, so people could wear a leaf skirt if they wished.
“It doesn’t have to be a pink fluffy tutu,” she said.
The fairy godmother will return this year to read stories and there will be a range of activities on the day, including wand-making workshops.
This year there will be more market stalls and kids’ entertainment than previously.
Children will be able to make a wish at the wishing tree and hop onto rides and attempt an obstacle course.
The event has been held at Old Gippstown the past two years.
In 2016, 610 fairies turned up but it was not enough to beat the record of 871, set by a group in the UK.
The event attracted fairies of all ages – and even a few four-legged pixies, with a number of dogs turning up in costume.
Tickets cost $5 per person and the world record count will be at 12pm.
Fairies in the Park will be at Old Gippstown on Sunday, August 19 from 10am-2pm.
