ann hortman posted on August 13, 2009 10:52
MEDIA RELEASE
August 10, 2009
Contact: Downtown Development 706-236-4520
Email: downtown@romega.us
RECORD ATTEMPT: WORLD’S LARGEST TOGA PARTY
To be officially certified by Guinness World Records, LTD
To celebrate the City of Rome’s 175th Anniversary, organizers have planned a tremendous Labor Day Weekend loaded with family fun that is sure to be history making as we celebrate history made.
The festivities start on Friday, September 4, 2009, with the dedication of the new Town Green, a riverfront development project that will also enhance The Forum Civic Center, and Parking Deck. The Rome Area History Museum will bury a 25 year time capsule and the fountains will flow for all those present, young and old. The last First Friday Concert of the season, featuring Peachtree Station, will wrap up with something extra special.
Saturday, September 5, is TOGA day! Romans will attempt to establish a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Toga Party set in 2003, by Cottage Grove, Oregon of 2,166 participants. This event is not a tribute to the movie “Animal House”; it is a celebration of Georgia’s Rome, its history, and making a roman connection with a historic event. The City boost incredible historic landmarks, such as the statue of the Capitoline Wolf in front of City Hall. The Statue is an exact replica of the Etruscan art that stands in the Palazzo dei Conservatori on Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. It was a gift from Ancient Rome to New Rome from Benito Mussolini in 1929. The Porto Futurus, Roman columns andornate bridgesof Georgia’s Rome, also salute Rome Italy.
An official adjudicator from Guinness World Record will be present to verify immediately when the City of Rome beats the current world record, making Rome, Georgia, the home of the World’s Largest Toga Party! Everyone is invited to be counted by showing up at the Forum, in downtown on Saturday. Registration will open at 1:30pm, Entertain- ment begins at 2pm followed by the official record attempt at 3:00 and a group photo.
Toga must be worn during the record attempt and group photo. As soon as the count is completed in The Forum, the celebration moves to the levee. Bands will be playing throughout the day and evening; local charities will staff and benefit from the concessions, and fireworks will signal the end of a record breaking day.
Come celebrate the City of Rome’s 175th Anniversary during the two part event on Saturday; first be counted in the World’s Largest Toga Party Record Attempt and then celebrate on the levee. Come celebrate in a big way, one that includes a world record!