In June of this year, residents and tourists alike will have a chance to show their dino-pride in DinoFest 2012, a celebration of all things dinosaur.
    Dinosaurs have been known to be in the Drumheller area for over 130 years, but it wasn’t until well after the coal industry had gone extinct that dinosaurs spurred the revitalization of the town.
    The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, Canalta Hotels, Festival Seekers, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum have banded together to celebrate the impact the extinct animals have had on the community.
    “There are a lot of interesting things happening in Alberta in regards to palaeontology,” said Jim Barr, president of Festival Seekers. “It makes Alberta an attractive destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs, so why not capitalize on that with a festival celebrating that fact?”
    Next year will be a big year for dinosaurs. A new dinosaur museum is opening in Grande Prairie and Disney/Pixar and the BBC are both producing multi-million dollar dinosaur films.
    “DinoFest will be a great opportunity to boost our shoulder season visitation,” explains Heather Bitz, General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce. “Our primary target market is going to be Edmonton, and our marketing efforts will encourage Edmontonians to trek to Drumheller for the weekend to take part in the events and discover our community.”
    The event will offer a blend of family-friendly activities, such as a prehistoric scavenger hunt, presentations by the Tyrrell scientists, a dinosaur inspired play, a band competition, rib cook-off, and more.
    It is hoped that DinoFest will become an annual event and perhaps last five to ten days.
    Everything begins on June 1 and will last through the weekend. For more information or to get involved, contact Bitz at 403-823-8100.
    “Drumheller is already on the world stage for anyone who is a dinosaur buff,” said Barr. “We can propel that even further.”

    The aptly named Chinook Credit Union is getting help from its namesake.
    The warm weather has ensured that construction on the new home of the Drumheller branch of Chinook has proceeded without any delays.
    “Everything has been run well and we’ve been blessed by the warm weather,” said Stuart Hill, Vice President of Corporate Services.
    The unseasonally high temperatures have given no opportunities for construction to be delayed. It is estimated the building will be complete by the end of September.
    At this time, construction is focused on erecting the steel framework for the building. Residents passing by will see the walls and roof being put in place starting within the next four weeks.
    “It will look like a true building, rather than a construction site,” joked Hill.
    The new home of the Drumheller Chinook Credit Union is considerably larger than the current building and will be a significant expansion.
    “There will be no difference to services,” said Hill. “We are looking forward to the finished building. It will be a significant building within Drumheller.”