University of Calgary breaks record with 682 people dressed as dinosaurs

Once upon a time, in a distant land known as Canada, dinosaurs walked the Earth.

Actually, this wasn't 100 million years ago. It was last week, as part of the University of Calgary's Jurassic Jamboree!

In honour of the institution's 60th anniversary, the university wanted to break a record of "prehistoric proportions", and with their school mascot being the friendly neighbourhood "Rex O'Saurus", they knew just what theme they wanted to be. Dinosaurs.

Over the last few weeks, they have been encouraging everyone in their herd, students, staff, alumni, administration, as well as local dino-lovers, to take part in their epic record attempt during their celebratory Community Day on campus.

And sure enough, even a meteor couldn't keep these dinos away from the dance floor, as a record-breaking number of 682 participants showed up to the largest gathering of people dressed as dinosaurs this 11 April!

They took the title from all the fossil fanatics at Cox Science Center and Aquarium (USA) in West Palm Beach, Florida, who showed up with 468 people in January of last year.

"We're very excited to achieve this record, and I'm so proud of our team and all participants," said the event organizers. "Including the very young kids standing in the cold weather for two hours!"

In addition to the hundreds of dinosaurs that turned up to the event, the organizers reported that they had over 1,000 people register, and dozens more that participated in the festivities at large.

Everybody arrived at the venue in their T.Rex-best at roughly 10:30 a.m. local time, and began the process of checking in and confirming their costumes in the chilly Canadian weather.

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Tina Shi was on-site to witness the attempt, and she remarked that it took nearly 90 minutes to get everyone near the stage, a task made more difficult by the fact that everyone was in these giant clumsy clothes!

Nevertheless, she said it was a very well organized attempt, as well as one to remember.

"682 participants in dinosaur costumes is definitely an unforgettable memory!" said Tina.

Soon enough, everyone was accounted for, and Tina could confirm to the excited crowd that they were officially record holders.

Before she could even finish announcing the total number of participants, the audience erupted into a roar as soon as they heard the "six" in 600, and she was delighted to witness the sight of hundreds of happy dinosaurs.

After the spectacle died down, attendees also heard speeches from a variety of special guests, including President Ed McCauley and Chancellor Jon Cornish, as well as Olympic medallists from past UCalgary classes.

They then celebrated the rest of the day with live entertainment, activities, campus tours, and fun for the whole family, including enough food for a dinosaur.

So congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible attempt, University of Calgary, you are Officially Amazing!

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