The season is coming to an end with our final issue of The Weekender, a section of inSide Drumheller that share with locals and visitors the latest in events throughout the valley.
    inSide Drumheller’s favourite exercise after a long fun summer is drawing for a winner of our “Great Drumheller Dinosaur Challenge.”  While we always enjoy handing out a $100 gift to the winner (this year it was Vernon Lane of Three Hills), the best part is opening up the box and reading the comments from the residents and visitors who share this great valley.
 Again, there were dozens of entries from all across Alberta and Western Canada. And once again, visitors shared positive experiences of the valley.
    It goes almost without saying that dinosaurs were the top attraction, and the efforts the Dino-Arts Committee have been making to beautify the valley have been noticed. This includes its latest installation “Sam” the motorcycling dinosaur at the Brick.   It now stands to reason that a dinosaur can officially be described as “cute.”
    The scenery of the valley also get high marks with dozens of entries telling of the beautiful vistas.
    Another popular comment was “friendly “ when talking about service at businesses and attractions, exhibiting professionalism. Clean comes up as a descriptor for the town as well.
    One visitor from Victoria simply describes their time in Drumheller as “Epic.”
    One thing that always shines through in these comments is civic pride. Dozens of entries simply say, “love it” or “So glad I live here.” These comes from long-time residents as well as new Drumhellerites.
    As one exclaimed “we just moved from Calgary in March and are loving the friendly town and wildlife around.”
 Not only does Drumheller prove to be a popular and fun destination, but our contest continues to be a hit. As one entry from Edmonton says, “How come I don’t win? Three years in a row trying to win!”

‘Sam” the motorcycling dinosaur at the Brick in Downtown Drumheller was popular to visitors  this summer.

    After a term away from local politics, former Mayor Bryce Nimmo is ready to go back into the ring.
    Nimmo, who served as Mayor from 2006-2010, has decided to run for a position as a Drumheller Town Councillor. 
    “We need to look ahead,” said Nimmo, noting his concern about the future of the community.
    Bryce and Rosalie came to the valley in 1996 as owners and operators of Taste the Past. Following the sale of their bed and breakfast business, they made the decision to remain in Drumheller because of their love of the people and the town. 
    With his experience, he brings a vision for the future of Drumheller. During his time as mayor he said there were a number of studies completed chock full of innovative ideas on how to boost the local economy and tourism.
    He said Drumheller is a unique community and has the opportunity to position itself as a desirable place to visit, live and retire.
    “We have a beautiful hospital, we have doctors, we are an hour and half from an international airport and have all the needed services,” said Nimmo.
    He believes economic growth is the most important way to grow the tax base of the community and maintain a high level of service.
    “We all have concerns about tax increases over the last few years, but the way to keep your taxes down is to attract more businesses and residents to expand the base,” said Nimmo.
    He applauds the efforts of Drumheller Town Council, especially for its effort during the flood and continuing to stand up for the community during the recovery process, adding the response of volunteers during the flood was a testament to the community spirit of Drumheller.
    The future of Drumheller lies in continuing to attract and retain residents. Part of that is encouraging businesses to open and operate in a free and competitive atmosphere, and to continue developing to make the valley attractive for people to call home.
    He says the success of the Badlands Community Facility is proof that these are the kinds of amenities that people want and it is important to bring the second phase of the facility to fruition.
    “The towns I see that are successful, identify their strengths and build upon them,” said Nimmo.
    Four of the six incumbent Councillors intend to run for re-election. Councillors Berdahl and Stanford have announced they will step down.