A MILLICENT woman hopes to bring world record glory to her adopted home town with a rare display of hundreds of decorated gumboots.
As part of this month’s Geltwood Festival, Millicent community art and craft centre member Helen Joyce has founded the Geltwood Gumboot Challenge and encouraged all to get crafty.
Ms Joyce hopes to exhibit 400 gumboots in the George Street showroom, which until recently was the Millicent Central Hub.
The decorated gumboots will share the exhibition space with a display of model trains.
The dual display will be one of the highlights of the annual Geltwood Market Day and Lions Family Fun Day on March 29.
The challenge is open to all interested residents of all skill levels.
According to Ms Joyce, the gumboot upper needs to be covered using a yarn or fibre based craft, including crochet, quilting, applique, felting, knitting, embroidering, cross-stitching, macramé, weaving and tatting.
She said there was no need to make pairs as single and damaged boots would be accepted.
Ms Joyce said the Gumboot Challenge would provide a fun use for leftover wool and material, as well as aged and damaged gumboots.
“We have investigated the possibility of breaking the record for the greatest number of covered gumboots in one place,” Ms Joyce said.
“I came up with the idea for the Gumboot Challenge in October, 2018 and they have since come from many places.
“We hope to get one from mural painter Mimby Jones Robinson.
“It is all about community participation and for all ages and abilities.
“So far, our youngest is four years of age and the oldest is 83.
“There is no judging and no prizes as it is about fun.”
Free pairs of boots are available out the front of the old bank building on George Street or at the Millicent Library for people to decorate.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the display should drop covered gumboots to the Millicent Library by March 28.
After the Geltwood Festival ends, Ms Joyce is investigating the possibility of having the decorated gumboots on display at the Millicent Showgrounds.
