BATROUN, Lebanon: The Batroun Merchants Association is gearing up to take on China – in a bid to claim the world’s record for the largest glass of lemonade, currently held by the world’s most populous country.

A meeting was held Wednesday at San Stefano Resort in Batroun to discuss the program for the July 8 event, which will be organized under the patronage of the Tourism Ministry.

The meeting was attended by the head of the Batroun Merchants Association Farah Khoury, members of the administrative committee, Batroun Mayor Marcelino Harek, and representatives of the Tourism Ministry.

Batroun has long been known across Lebanon for its fresh lemonade, and Khoury stressed the importance of the attempt to break the current Guinness World Records by a town that is sought out by visitors for the drink.

Khoury said that some 200 people will squeeze some 2,200 kilos of lemon which will be added to 1,000 kilos of sugar, 3,000 liters of water, and 1,000 kilos of ice cubes.

Together, the participants will make 5,200 liters of lemonade, which will fill a glass 285 cm high and 140 cm at its base with 185 cm opening.

“The lemonade will be clean and fit to drink, and it will be distributed for free on beaches and in restaurants and other public places after announcing the new Guinness World Record at the end of Batrouni Lemonade Day,” Khoury said, adding that lemonade will also be distributed along the city’s main roads.

Khoury invited the public to take part in the festivities which will start at 10 a.m. on Batroun’s main road. A news conference will also be held on June 19 to announce further details of the event.

For his part, Harek welcomed the initiative and pledged to do his utmost to ensure the success of the event.