Hometown hopes to set Lucy-lookalike record

On August 6, on Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy invites everyone — men, women and children — to participate in the setting of a new world record for “most people dressed as Lucy Ricardo in one place, at one time.”

The “Be A Lucy: Guinness World Record” event is part of the Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy and 100th birthday celebration, which runs Aug. 3-7. The festival includes headliner comedians Joan Rivers (Aug. 4), Paula Poundstone (Aug. 6), kids comedy troop Story Pirates (Aug. 6), eight comedians from San Francisco-based festival co-producer Rooftop Comedy, and the world’s best Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel impersonators.

“We anticipate some very quality look-alikes to be on-hand. Our Lucy Fans come from around the world for this festival and they do not disappoint when it comes to donning a Lucy resemblance,” said Lucy Desi Center for Comedy Executive Director Journey Gunderson.

The official criteria include the signature red up-do hairstyle, red lips, and dress/attire corresponding with something Lucy Ricardo wore on an episode of "I Love Lucy."

“We’ll have Lucys from Australia, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, and of course a large contingent coming from California and a number of states in between. We expect a minimum of between 500-1000 participants on August 6.”

While the $5 registration fee includes a basic qualifying costume — the iconic blue and white polka-dot dress — participants are also encouraged to wear their own costumes. “We’ve got qualifying get-ups for everyone; all ages and all sizes,” added Gunderson.

The record registration begins at noon ET at Lucy Fest’s “Party on the Plaza” at Jamestown’s City Hall, with the officially-required photograph moment — with all Lucys in position — at 2pm. An aerial photograph and video footage are required for official Guinness sanctioning.

Qualifying mask will satisfy the lips and hair criteria for anyone not wearing red lipstick and a red up-do hairstyle. A large quantity of Lucy-red lipstick has been donated by Benefit Cosmetics, a sponsor of the “Be a Lucy” world record. “This will be high-quality lipstick in the right Lucy-shade, so we’re very appreciative of Benefit’s support.”

The mission of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is to preserve the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter through its commitment to the development of the comedic arts.

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