The World’s Largest Dinosaur’s legacy is supporting three community groups in the valley.
Part of the goal of the World’s Largest Dinosaur is to give back to the community. Shortly after the chamber realized the debt incurred by the dinosaur, they established the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund. To date they have contributed $58,000 to 10 community groups for local projects.
On Thursday, October 1, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce presented a cheque for $2,000 to Drumheller Communities in Bloom, and $2,000 to the Canadian Badlands Artists Association. General manager of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce Heather Bitz says this year there were 11 applications for the Dinosaur Legacy Fund. The third recipient will be announced at a later date.
Jim Carlson, chair of the Canadian Badlands Association, told The Mail, the grant would be used to upgrade the lighting at the Canadian Badlands Artists Association’s Community Gallery in downtown Drumheller. He explains the new track style lighting will improve the look and the illumination of the gallery. Modern lighting will also help protect the works of art that can be subjected to degradation due to harsh lighting conditions.
The Badlands Artists Association has been operating since 2001 to raise the profile and awareness of arts in the community and showcasing local artists. It operates the gallery of members’ works in downtown Drumheller.
Communities in Bloom in Drumheller was the second recipient of the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund. Communities in Bloom has been active in the beautification of Drumheller through dozens of projects contributing to the health of the community. The group recently came back from provincial adjudication awards ceremonies with four out of five Blooms.
One of the projects the judges liked was the revitalization on the parcel of land at the corner of South Dinosaur Trail and Highway 9/56. The money from the fund will go towards constructing signage on the lot, directing visitors to check out the amenities in downtown Drumheller. Patricia Parker says Image Crafters is making the signs which will be visible from three sides.
The World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund invests a portion of the funds generated by visits to The World’s Largest Dinosaur, to enhance and enrich economic development activities in the Drumheller region.
