At noon on Saturday, June 30, the Wolfville Farmers’ Market will host a world-record attempt.
The Brain Injury Global Picnic will attempt to break the previous Guinness World Record for “Most people picnicking in 24 hours (multiple locations).”
Conceived as a way to raise global awareness about the need for brain injury education by a group of brain injury survivors in the UK, the goal is to have more than 22,232 picnickers gather in locations all across the planet over the course of 24 hours.
Jane Warren, Wolfville picnic organizer and brain injury survivor, is excited to have a chance to bring this issue to light, since it affects an estimated 2,200-3,500 people in Nova Scotia each year, or over 30,000 currently living brain injury survivors, according to department of health statistics.
Brain injuries are sometimes called “the Hidden Disability,” since symptoms are not always apparent, but they can wreak havoc on the mental, social, physical and emotional and lives of those afflicted. Things that many people take for granted, such as the ability to remember numbers, speech or how to tie your shoes can become large challenges for brain injury survivors.
Those wishing to participate in the world-record attempt picnic should arrive at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market outdoor courtyard before noon, when the record attempt begins.
To qualify as an official “picnicker,” participants must eat two food items and a drink. The items may be shared amongst a group. For example, a family who shares a loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese and a bottle of water would qualify. Participants can bring their own food from home, but since the market will be open during the picnic, there will be food available for purchase on-site as well. Participants might also like to bring a blanket for comfort sitting on the ground.
A Guinness World Record attempt must adhere to strict guidelines, so event organizers are seeking volunteer stewards to help with recording information, such as maintaining accurate people counts. Participants can follow world record progress at www.biglobalpicnic.org.
To get involved, or for more information, contact Jane Warren at jakeandjane@ns.sympatico.ca
