Second annual Elf Yourself coming to RVC

For the second year in a row, the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade will be sponsoring an attempt to put Rockville Centre in the Guinness Book of World Records.

On Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. in RVC Parking Lot 22 (between North Village Avenue and Washington Street), the second Elf Yourself event will take place, with Rockville Centre attempting to set the Guinness World Record for most people gathered in one place at one time dressed in elf costumes. Last year’s event featured 504 participants, close to the then-Guinness World Record of 607, despite the fact the event was cursed with a cold, rainy day. Since that first attempt, the bar has been raised to 762 elves, a record set in Wales over Christmas 2012.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade’s 2014 charities: New Ground, Inc., The Angelman Syndrome Foundation and The Nassau County AOH Feis committee. The donation to participate is a minimum $10 for adults. Children may participate for free, but are encouraged to get sponsors.

In order to qualify for Guinness World Record purposes, all participants must be dressed as elves: a pointy hat with ears that is either red, green or both; red bottoms and a red and green shirt. In addition, all participants must be registered to count for the record. Advance registration will provide for the smoothest route to the record, although on-site registration is available. Participants may register in advance with Niall Gunn at Monaghan’s. Niall may be contacted at 516-318-5948. After registering, participants will be issued a wristband that will allow them to be counted toward the record.

Jerry & The Newcomers Band will provide music for this festive occasion, and participants will be able to purchase some of the parade’s official merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, bracelets, pint glasses and car magnets, as well as raffle tickets.

“This is a great chance to put Rockville Centre into the Guinness Book of World Records” said Parade Committee Co-Chair Kathleen Schwarting. “We probably would be in already except for the disappointing weather last year.”