Wyoming Dinosaur Center to host Jurassic Fest event

This June the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (WDC) will host an exhilarating experience for dinosaur fans with the first-ever ‘Jurassic Fest – Passion for the Past’ event.

Headlining the two-day dino event is multi-award-winning British paleontologist, celebrated author and TV host, Dr. Dean Lomax from the UK. Lomax recently made international headlines when he led the excavation of one of the greatest discoveries in British paleontological history, the 10-meter-long ‘Rutland Sea Dragon’.

The event will also feature a sneak peek of ‘WHY DINOSAURS?’ an ambitious dinosaur-themed documentary directed, filmed and edited by Tony and James Pinto, a father and son from Simi Valley, California. Over five years in the making, the film has been greatly anticipated since its announcement and successful crowdfunding campaign.

The WDC originally opened its doors in 1995 and boasts a world-class museum and many active dinosaur dig sites. Unique fossils such as ‘Jimbo’ the Supersaurus, the largest dinosaur in Wyoming, along with the smallest dinosaur in Wyoming, ‘Lori’, a close cousin of Velociraptor, are on display along with an impressive global fossil collection and the only Archaeopteryx fossil outside of Europe.

Lomax will be returning to Wyoming after first visiting in 2008, then just an 18-year-old teenager straight out of high school. Growing up in the town of Doncaster in Yorkshire, England, Lomax did not have the grades or finances to initially go to university and even failed science in high school. When the WDC offered Dean the chance of a lifetime to volunteer and follow his dreams, he jumped at this opportunity and even sold his possessions (including his childhood Star Wars collection!) to fund the trip.

Now, 15 years later, Lomax is a renowned paleontologist who has discovered and named multiple new species, written best-selling books and hosted TV shows. He is also an affiliated scientist at the University of Manchester, England. His unconventional journey into science began in Wyoming and highlights the importance of following your passion and never giving up on your dreams.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the opportunity I was given to come to Wyoming and volunteer at the WDC in 2008. The WDC provided me with the vital experience I needed to get my foot on the ladder and work out how to make it in such a competitive field,” said Lomax. He is eager to return to Wyoming and share his passion for paleontology with the public.

“We are proud to have launched Dr. Dean Lomax’s career and to have him come back to Wyoming and share his story, which will no doubt inspire many people. The WDC is committed to teaching the importance of paleontology and every year we see the impact we have on individuals and families by providing exciting, personal educational experiences to both adults and young people. Jurassic Fest will provide an opportunity to listen and learn from renowned fossil experts and get your hands dirty,” added Angie Guyon, the WDC’s director.

Highlighting Wyoming’s rich dinosaur history, father and son team, Tony and James Pinto will be showcasing their upcoming international documentary, “WHY DINOSAURS?”.

Jurassic Fest will provide dinosaur fans of all ages the opportunity to dig up dinosaurs with Dr. Lomax, hunt for new dinosaur sites, and explore the fossil-rich formations that surround the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The WDC has active dinosaur dig sites just 10 minutes from the museum, where bones of famous dinosaurs like Allosaurus and long-necked giants like Diplodocus and Brontosaurus are excavated.

The two-day dino extravaganza will take place on June 23-24. Tickets and more information can be found at http://www.jurassicfest.org