By Christopher Johnson
Communities in Clare and Gladwin counties enjoyed some dino-mite tremors this past week with the arrival of realistic dinosaurs of the likes of something you’d see on the big screen.
Kids of all ages came out to the parks earlier this week for up close meet and greets with professional grade costumes and puppets provided by Feller Express Dinosaur Encounters. The sizes of the dinosaurs ranged from large and lifelike, to small and compact enough for kids to hold in their arms.
A primary sponsor for this event is Members First Credit Union. So the organization followed a mid Michigan route with Clare and Gladwin County in mind. Normally Gladwin would be included on this route but things kicked off with Beaverton instead. Followed by City Park in Harrison and concluding with Clare at Shamrock Park.
According to Joy Simmer with Parks and Recreation, the afternoon was a wholesome time with agreeable weather and an attendance of over 180 people at the Clare show alone. Some places were more populated than others, but overall a great opportunity for the county as a whole. Many turned to social media to share their experiences.
Each location featured a different showroom dino, keeping each show fresh and suspenseful. The dinosaurs that appeared included three large-scale costumes worn and operated by human actors. Beaverton got to meet Tiki the Parasaurolophus, Harrison got to meet Angus the Carnotaurus, and Clare got to meet Roxy the Velociraptor hybrid. Additionally, there was a variety of precious baby dinos for the kids to share and hold.
So regardless of which show you caught, you probably would have noticed some differences if you went to a couple or more. The dinos also engaged in dance skits and kept things fun and educational for the younger kiddos.
Feller Express is an organization that is described as both very personable, energetic and knowledgeable. They travel across seven states, performing roughly 200 events per year. Usually prioritizing the central midwest, this is their first year touring Michigan and the team reports it as being a great time with perfect weather. The organization was started by a teacher from Evansville, Indiana and now boasts a tight knit family of people from ordinary backgrounds. All who share a love and passion for dinosaurs..
In the summer, they stay consistently busy with the dinos, but during the off season, they are more known for mascot work and smaller events. Some of these other mascots consist of characters inspired by Bluey, Peppa Pig, Five Nights at Freddy’s and more.
This has become an annual event for Clare, with this being the second year. Parks and Rec is looking to collaborate with the local libraries again to expand the experience even more next summer when Feller returns.
One of these wider packages took place the following day at the Lansing Country Club, after concluding in Clare. There, attendees of a private event enjoyed a sort of “extended edition” of what Clare County got to experience. Spared no expense.
This includes activity stations dedicated to fossil digs and more games and engagement for kids. It’s just a little more of the same to widen the duration and maximize as much dino fun as possible. And why not? Clare seems to dig it. Pun intended.
Much thanks to our local libraries: Harrison District Library, Pere Marquette District Library, Gladwin County District Library and Beaverton Branch Library for collaborating with our guests for a roaring good time.
Also, Jurassic Park: Rebirth hits theatres this July. It’s the fifth entry in the franchise with Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey set to star. So if families are still hungry for more, you won’t have to wait much longer.
