Over 1100 Dolly Parton lookalikes gathered in Frank Sheehy Park in Listowel on Saturday to succeed in making a new world record of having the largest number of Dolly Parton lookalikes in one place. Pictures: Noel Sweeney, Irish Examiner
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most majestic sites on Ireland’s west coast. My family and I visited the breathtaking vista last summer. Two hours south of the tourist magnet is Listowel, the epicenter of a recent Dolly Parton look-a-like gathering far more dramatic than the roller coaster at Dollywood.
“Cowboy hats, blonde curly wigs and extravagant outfits – three things you wouldn’t normally associate with any town in Kerry,” reported The Irish Examiner. “This was the reality in Listowel today, as the football pitch that has hosted many a GAA match is swarmed with a very different cohort of people, many covered in rhinestones and sporting cowboy boots as they contribute to setting the world record for the most amount of people ‘instantly recognisable’ as Dolly Parton.
“With over 1,100 Dolly-lookalikes in attendance, the town is well on their way to setting the record for the largest gathering of people ‘wearing a full head-to-toe Dolly Parton costume’ after months of careful planning and promotions.
“The importance of the Dolly Day event, held in aid of Kerry Hospice and Comfort for Chemo Kerry, was reflected in the masses of crowds, who had turned up to contribute to two deserving charities, whilst having some fun doing so.”
As Dolly once said, “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Good for the folks in Listowel for utilizing Dolly’s international fame to raise funds for those who desperately need it.