Monday, October 30, 2017

Gnomes and Charity

Apparently, gnomes and charity work go together. I've posted stories of gnomes being used for raising money and awareness before, and this post is sort of similar.


In Tucson, Arizona, there is a music and bicycle shop call Metro Gnome Music & Cycle. First of all, let's take a paragraph to appreciate the gnovel combination of bicycling and music lessons while using gnomes as your mascot. Since 2000, this shop has provided the Tucson area with quality preowned and refurbished musical instruments, instrument rentals, music lessons, vinyl and digital music sales, and bicycles, repairs, and equipment and accessories.


But, being a community business is not enough. They have also been promoting an annual festival to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and local school music programs. The party is part music festival, part local vendor showcase. The gnome-themed music/bike shop hosts the event and encourages gnome cosplay with the goal of breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as gnomes. Their event this year took place on October 22, 2017.

Yes, that is a real thing. The current record is held by BBC Hereford & Worcester with 478 people dressed as gnomes in Worcester, UK on November 18, 2011. Apparently that record held. Hopefully Metro Gnomes from Tucson will have better luck and more participation next year.