More than 1,100 people have purchased kits for this weekend’s Marilyn Monroe lookalike world record attempt, far surpassing Greater Palm Springs Pride’s goal.
Palm Springs City Councilmember and Pride CEO Ron deHarte confirmed the total on Tuesday, May 26, ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday, May 30. It’s part of Marilyn 100, a weekend-long celebration to honor the star’s 100th birthday on Monday, June 1.
The world record certification is set for 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Downtown Park, while live entertainment, food and other activities will start at 3 p.m. It’ll be a sight not to miss, with hundreds of people donning blonde curls, a white dress and the actress’ signature charm.
Saturday’s event is an attempt to break the previous Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as Monroe in one location. That was set on Feb. 2, 2020, in Brighton, Australia, by the Marilyn Jetty Swim Team with 254 people.
When the Marilyn 100 event was announced, Greater Palm Springs Pride organizers set an initial goal of 500 Monroe lookalikes. But with kit purchases more than twice that, it appears that the desert city is eager to show its love and pride for the late icon.
“On Saturday, we are all Marilyn, and participants will be part of history and remember this celebration forever,” deHarte said in an email on Tuesday. “Marilyn Monroe wasn’t just an icon of glamour; she was a bold advocate for authenticity, compassion and standing with marginalized communities before it was safe to do so. Marilyn 100 honors that legacy by celebrating love, visibility and belonging, values the City of Palm Springs proudly champions.”
The Monroe kits come with a blonde wig, a white subway dress inspired by her film “The Seven Year Itch,” sunglasses and a martini glass. The kit costs $75 and can be purchased through pspride.org/marilyn100.
Several other events are scheduled throughout the weekend, including an I Heart Drag Brunch show on Saturday, screenings of her most iconic roles at the Plaza Theatre and the Palm Springs Cultural Center and special deals and menu items at various local restaurants.
Palm Springs is known for its connection to Monroe. The Hollywood star was reportedly discovered by a talent agent in Palm Springs, and she can be seen in iconic photo shoots by local pools. The city is now the home of the popular, although controversial, “Forever Marilyn” statue in the Downtown Park.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun, on X @ema_sasic or Instagram @emasasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs set to break Marilyn Monroe lookalike record. How to join
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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