The World’s Largest Dinosaur is getting a face lift this season with a  new paint job and repair  to the outer surface.

    The World’s Largest Dinosaur is due for a makeover, and the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce moved to make it happen.
    The Chamber committed almost $300,000 to the dino-sized project.
    ‘They are going to refill all the little holes and cracks and do an artistic repaint,” said Chamber president John Shoff.  “Instead of the two-tone John Deere–like colours, they are going to do a new paint design, so it should look completely different and significantly better.”
    He explains the Chamber hired F&D Scene Change, which has experience with major clients in everything from movie and television studios to amusement parks and public art installations.
    Shoff said the overhaul should make a significant different in looks and durability.
    “What they are doing should improve the longevity of the colours. The paint is a special epoxy type that will harden,” said Shoff.
    They are also planning to rework a visible support so it blends in with the scenery.
    “They are going to wrap it in a bark-like material so it looks like a tree. The net difference should be a great improvement,” said Shoff.
    The World’s Largest Dinosaur opened in 2001 and immediately became a Drumheller icon. A key component of the project was to give back to the community.
    Every year, a part of the proceeds of the World’s Largest Dinosaur and Gift Shop goes back into the community.  It has supported everything from smaller projects, like supporting local soccer, to a substantial donation to the Badlands Community Facility. In its lifetime, it has contributed in the area of $500,000.

Motorcycle Madness is this weekend. Head to downtown Drumheller Saturday morning for breakfast, bikes and biker fun. 

    If the throaty rumbling of straight pipes coming off a cam heavy Knucklehead excites you, if fringed black leather and skid lids are looks that make your heart skip a beat, and if nothing beats the hot summer wind blowing around your windscreen as you settle into a comfortable cruise, you might have the madness.
    Motorcycle Madness is back. The annual event that celebrates the motorcycle and the open road has been a mainstay in the valley for about a decade.
    Organizer Terry Kuhl says the event has been a good chance for local riders to get together and head out. They are often joined by riders from Brooks, Strathmore, Calgary, and even Saskatchewan for the day’s festivities.
    While the main event is this Saturday, July 13, many get ready for the weekend with a Friday night steak run. Those wanting to participate will muster at Yavis Family Restaurant at 5 p.m. before they head out.
    The real madness begins on Saturday. Kuhl explains they are changing up the schedule a little bit this year. In previous years, the bikes would hit the road on a run before they headed downtown for the show and shine. This time they will be shining extra early. Head to downtown Drumheller Saturday morning for breakfast. Proceeds from the pancake breadkfast will go to the Drumheller and District Humane Society.
    After eating, stick around for the bikes. The streets will be lined with some of the nicest rides from the valley and beyond. There will also be bike games, food, and vendors participating. There will be trophies for the best in show in standard and metric categories.
    After that, it is time to hit the road for the annual Poker Run. This will hit points throughout the area on a leisurely afternoon ride. Proceeds from the poker run this year go to the Salvation Army Summer Camp for kids.  After the poker run, riders can muster at the Newcastle Hotel where the fun continues into the evening.
    So if you like bikes, burnouts and family fun, get in on the madness.