**University of Calgary Sets Dinosaur Costume World Record Amidst 60th Anniversary Celebrations**
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The University of Calgary has achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking the world record for the largest assembly of individuals dressed as dinosaurs. The event, held in honour of the university’s 60th anniversary, took place on Saturday, 11th April, and brought together an enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and members of the local community.
The previous record, held by the Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach, Florida, stood at 468 dinosaur enthusiasts. However, the University of Calgary far surpassed this figure, with 682 participants donning an array of dinosaur costumes during the festivities, as confirmed by the relevant adjudicators from Guinness World Records.
Vice-Provost Verity Turpin expressed her elation regarding the achievement, stating, “The record was 468. We broke it. So we are record holders with 682 people dressed in dinosaur costumes.” The university’s celebration, dubbed Rex’s Jurassic Jamboree, encouraged attendance from all corners of the UC community, culminating in an event filled with excitement and camaraderie.
Participants showcased creativity and flair in their costumes, with many opting for inflatable dinosaur outfits that allowed little visibility apart from their feet. Among those joining in the fun was University employee Laura Wan, who attended the event with her dog, Ollie. Wan articulated her reasons for participating, noting, “It’s a chance to make history. It’s awesome to be part of it. The other side of me is, I just want a really good chance to wear a crazy outfit.”
As the countdown to the record verification began, participants gathered outside the Taylor Family Digital Library on campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy. They enjoyed performances from local a cappella group the Heebee Jeebees, dancing to a medley of songs, including Queen’s iconic “We Are the Champions.”
The excitement peaked when the official Guinness adjudicator completed the count, with the number ‘six’ eliciting a spontaneous eruption of joy from the crowd. “As soon as we heard Guinness say, ‘Six,’ we knew we broke the record, and no one listened to anything after that. We were all screaming and hugging each other. It was awesome,” Turpin recounted, capturing the jubilant spirit of the moment.
University President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley also joined in the celebration, playfully declaring, “The old record is extinct,” in response to their success. He commended the cooperative effort of the University of Calgary and the wider Calgary community, emphasising the collective achievement.
To commemorate this playful and historic feat, the university plans to display a plaque recognising the record. McCauley noted the importance of ensuring the honour is prominently showcased, stating, “It’s got to be put somewhere prominent because this is set by the Calgary community.”
This light-hearted gathering, marked by dinosaur-themed attire and a sense of unity, showcases the University of Calgary’s commitment to fostering community spirit and celebrating significant milestones. The successful record not only adds a fun chapter to the university’s history but also brings together a diverse set of individuals united in the spirit of celebration and achievement.
The University of Calgary’s endeavours highlight the potential for institutions to create opportunities for community bonding through engaging and fun events. As they bask in the glory of their world record, it remains to be seen how future anniversaries and milestones will inspire even more innovative and record-breaking gatherings.