They came in all sizes, from gigantic to tiny.
Some ate only meat, while others were herbivores.
Although they’ve been extinct for millions of years, dinosaurs still fascinate humans of all ages.
On Aug. 3, 4 and 5, they’re coming to the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in the form of Discover the Dinosaurs, a hands-on exhibit with more than 60 animatronic and museum-quality dinosaur replicas.
“It’s a walkthrough exhibit geared to elementary-aged kids,” says Eric Dornfeld, sales and marketing manager of Blue Star Productions, which puts on the show. “There are roughly eight to nine scenes that represent dinosaurs from each of the eras in which dinosaurs lived.”
Dornfeld says the exhibit should not be confused with “Walking with Dinosaurs,” which is an arena event. “This is more of a hands-on opportunity to hang out with dinosaurs,” he says.
While geared to elementary ages, the show is fun for everyone. Since its launch in January, the show has evolved to include activities for all ages.
Patrons enter through a stone arch and use a provided map to guide them through the exhibit and scavenger hunt. The exhibit consists of scenes with sight, sound and motion through special lighting, sound effects, animatronics and fog.
The backdrops, rocks, flooring and plant materials are designed to replicate a landscape where dinosaurs would have lived. Some dinosaur replicas are non-moving, so that they can be touched, while others are animantronic and move and act like living dinosaurs.
“We’ve found that all kids like dinosaurs and obviously have varying degrees of knowledge about dinosaurs,” Dornfeld says. “Savannah is our 27th city so far.”
Blue Star Productions has produced and promoted shows for more than 20 years, Dornfeld says. “We do about 200 events a year.”
The dinosaur exhibit is a departure for Blue Star, which produces consumer events. Other shows have revolved around golf, computers, home and money.
“This particular event kind of evolved,” Dornfeld says. “A lot of us who work here have young kids and spouses who work in educational fields with kids. We thought this would be something we could do and be good at.”
Work on the project took a year and a half before the show was launched. “What makes it different is that we’re bringing dinosaurs to the people,” Dornfeld says.
“Our dinosaurs are more accessible than what you would find in a museum,” he says. “We want to encourage kids, so there are some they can sit on.
“Sometimes it can be scary for little kids when you’re using lighting and sound effects and loud noises, so we do offer some other things for smaller children,” Dornfeld says. “We continue to add things according to the feedback we’re getting.”
Safety is of utmost importance.
“This is a unique opportunity and the cornerstone is to touch the dinosaurs,” Dornfeld says. “Obviously, you can’t make them accessible in all instances, but we do it where we can do it safely.”
Feedback also is important to organizers, who consider it very seriously. “I would say the majority of responses are from people who are really enjoying the exhibit,” Dornfeld says.
“One of the things that has been encouraging for us is that people appreciate what we’ve done,” he says. “We’re trying to continue to add to the educational component of it.”
Dornfeld admits some changes were necessary.
“We’ve made a few errors along way with some facts,” he says.
“Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago and had gone back to 100 million years,” Dornfeld says. “There is some subjectivity when it comes to dinosaur research and paleontologists.
“There isn’t 100 percent agreement in some areas,” he says. “We made some factual errors and had to correct them.”
But corrections haven’t come from scientists only.
“In Peoria, there was an 11-year-old kid who knew more about dinosaurs than I could ever imagine,” Dornfeld says with a laugh. “He was very confident in what he was doing.”
The show has been especially well-received in the South.
“This time of year it’s pretty hot,” Dornfield says, “and one thing good is that this is an indoor event that is air-conditioned.”
IF YOU GO
What: Discover the Dinosaurs
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 3; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 4; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 5
Where: Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, 1 International Drive
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $10 for children 2-12, free for kids younger than 2; additional costs for some side attractions
Info: www.discoverthedinosaurs.com
Additional attractions
• Dino Dig, where guests search for dinosaur fossils under the sand.
• Dino Theater, with educational and entertaining movies on a dinosaur-sized screen.
• Dino Den, a series of small, whimsical dinosaurs designed for the youngest guests to sit on, hug and touch.
• Dinosaur Rides, with animatronic T-Rex or Triceratops.
• Inflatables, which allow kids to jump, slide and play in dinosaur-themed inflatables.
• Gem and Fossil Panning, where guests can purchase bags of mining rough, step up to the sluice and shake it out, panning in the running water to reveal the gems and fossils. Guests can also explore the mine with a headlamp-equipped hard hat to find hidden rocks, gems and fossils located in the dark mine shaft.
• Mini Golf, with facts about dinosaurs at each hole.
• Dino Face Painting, featuring professional face painters who offer simple dinosaur designs to full-face painting for purchase.