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To make it into the Guinness World Records, organisers of a ‘human muster’ need to round up at least 1000 people wearing their true blue Akubra headwear in Riverside Park, Kempsey, on the biggest day of the local horse racing calendar.
Stock agent Laurie Argue will be ‘herding’ participants into a ring at 6.45am for the official ‘most Akubras worn in one place at one time’ record attempt.
A free Race Day community breakfast, with entertainment and displays, will follow at 7am.
The early start is because of interest from a major national breakfast television show in broadcasting live from the event.
There will be a free sausage sandwich for all those involved.
The muster is being coordinated by Kempsey Shire Council, as part of its Race, Stay, Play promotion - a tourism initiative that aims to strengthen the Macleay’s ‘visitor economy’ by showcasing its credentials as an event destination.
The council’s Economic Sustainability manager, Susannah Smith, wants the Macleay public and businesses to show their pride for the valley.
“We want people to rise and shine for Race Day,” she said.
“We hope anyone who loves the Macleay and loves Akubra will help shine a spotlight on Kempsey and show people far and wide what a great place it is to live and work.
“This is a community breakfast for locals and as well as the record attempt, we’ve got local clubs on board with a vintage car club display and many other activities in the pipeline.”
There has been strong interest in the event from the business community to make this event happen.
Among the Macleay businesses getting on board is Everson’s Food Processors, which will supply all the meat for the breakfast.
Ms Smith said it would be a great occasion for families to be involved and - with major interest from a television network - an opportunity for Macleay businesses and industry to don their corporate shirts in front of a wide audience.
There are plans for Kempsey retailers to open their doors early, to help build an air of excitement ahead of the race meeting.
“Building events is building a future for Kempsey,” she said.
Two previous attempts to set the world record in Kempsey have come close to succeeding, and organisers believe there will be enough support this time.
Council will be contacting large local businesses, seeking pledges of how many staff they will send along on the day.