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Library, EpicRec outline DinoFest, Dino Dash and spring programming at Epic Central
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Summary
Library director Peter Sein and EpicRec staff previewed the third annual DinoFest (March 21) and the fourth annual Dino Dash, described event formats, expected attendance and accessibility plans for Epic Central during Grand Prairie's spring break.
Library director Peter Sein told the council the third annual DinoFest will be held Saturday, March 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at Epic Central and is free and open to the public; organizers said dinosaur displays will be installed by March 8 and will remain through March 27.
The event, Sein said, "exemplifies the library's mission of bringing learning, literacy, and fun to everyone," and organizers pointed to last year's turnout of about 11,000 people as a benchmark for this year's expectations.
Christian App, general manager of EpicRec, introduced the fourth annual Dino Dash and turned the briefing to fitness supervisor Robert Serna, who described the race formats: a kids one-mile fun run, a 5K (with individual, family and partner options), and a four-person relay in inflatable dinosaur costumes that loops roughly 300 meters. Serna said the event aims to boost family participation and community fitness, noting about 200 sign-ups last year and an anticipated 300 this year.
Cammie McKillop from communications and marketing said the city has amplified promotion across print and digital outlets: a Texas Monthly feature, placements in Life is Grand Parks Magazine, digital city screens and a Facebook event that has recorded about 382,000 views and 1,200 website visits to date. She said the city has a CBS live shot scheduled for March 9 and is producing a promotional video after the dinosaur installations are completed.
Council members asked operational questions: Council member Lopez raised concerns about an out-of-service elevator that affects handicapped access; Epic staff said they are awaiting a replacement part and will provide on-site cart drivers during high-peak times as an interim accommodation. Staff also confirmed a large digital sign on Arkansas is functioning as of the previous day.
Organizers emphasized that DynoFest and related programming (live music nightly, the Shamrock Social on March 14 and other partner events) are designed to be family-friendly draws that leverage Epic Central's attractions and partner businesses. The briefing closed with staff offering to follow up with council members who requested additional details.
The city will continue promotional outreach in the weeks before the event and staff encouraged council members to direct residents to the event page for updates.
