RICHMOND >> This city by the bay once set records for churning out cargo ships during World War II, vessels that helped the Allies win the war.
Now Richmond is trying to set a new Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as “Rosie the Riveter,” the iconic image of a woman in a red polka dot bandanna that has become a symbol of women’s empowerment.
The tradition began a year ago in Richmond, when 1,084 women dressed as Rosie gathered at a park that was one of the city’s former shipyards to break the record of 776 Rosies who gathered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 2014.
But just a month later, Ypsilanti wrested the record from Richmond when 2,096 Rosies gathered at the former Willow Run bomber plant with Guinness judges in attendance.
In what has become a friendly rivalry, Richmond is looking to bring back the title and has organized a Rosie Rally on Aug. 13, when it hopes to gather 5,000 people in the designated home front worker garb.
To take part in the photo, participants must wear a red bandanna with polka dots, a dark blue collared shirt and dark blue pants or dark blue coveralls, closed-toed black shoes or boots and red socks. Both men and women are encouraged to take part.
“This is a fun way to get the story out about what happened in Richmond during the war and what effects it had on society, like bringing women into the work force and opening the world to concepts like equal work, equal pay, on-site schools and child care centers and 24-hour-a-day health services,” said Susan Fritzke, deputy superintendent at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.
The event starts at 11 a.m. at Craneway Pavilion at 1414 Harbour Way South, part of the former Ford assembly plant that once operated at the waterfront and adjacent to the national park visitors center. All Rosies who want to be photographed by Guinness World Records must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m.
Following the photo, the parade of Rosies will walk to nearby Marina Bay Park, where there will be food trucks, live music, arts, crafts and maker booths as well children’s activities at the annual Home Front Festival. Visitors not wishing to dress up are also encouraged to attend, although they will not be counted for the world record.
“It’s multigenerational and just so much fun,” said Marsha Mather-Thrift, executive director of the Rosie the Riveter Trust.
Official polka-dot Rosie bandannas and red socks are available for purchase ahead of time at the park’s visitor center. A limited supply will be available on the day of the event. For more information, including the proper clothing to wear to qualify for the record, visit rosietheriveter.org
