When Eran Rosenthal and his family began touring Western Canada a couple of weeks ago, little did he know they would be a part of Drumheller history.
He and his family were the 2 millionth … and counting visitors to the World’s Largest Dinosaur. They made their trek up the 106 stairs for the best view of the Drumheller Valley.
“I’m very excited, It’s an honour. I feel like it’s history,” Rosenthal said.
He and his family are on their first visit from Israel and they toured Vancouver and the Rockies in an RV before coming to Calgary where they are staying with family. His relatives suggested a day trip to Drumheller. When his party of nine stepped up, to walk up, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, it surpassed 2 million visits.
Rosenthal chuckles that his wife decided to wait in the car.
“This is how you miss history.”
Tourism Service Manager at the World’s Largest Dinosaur, Debbie Schinnour, says she was excited to see the visitation cross the 2 million threshold. She began working at the World’s Largest Dinosaur shortly after their historic first 1 million visits.
The World’s Largest Dinosaur opened its doors almost 18 years ago and in that time has been honoured with several awards at the provincial and national levels. After the initial construction debt was paid off in just 5 years, a legacy fund was established from the giftshop sales and admission to support community projects. In that time it has given more than $600,000 back to the community.
“It’s an exciting day in the history of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and the World’s Largest Dinosaur. Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of the World, is a great vacation destination and we are pleased to provide visitors with such a unique attraction to enjoy,” said Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce manager Heather Bitz.
The Rosenthals received a great prize package from the Chamber of Commerce and local attractions, including family passes to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Atlas Coal Mine, and East Coulee School Museum, and 2 nights accommodation at the Drumheller Ramada Inn & Suites. Eran says because they will be going home soon, he will happily share the prizes with his family.
