Saw an article in the Waco Trib that was contrasting tourism in Glen Rose with tourism in Waco (particularly with the upcoming Mammoth attractions in Waco). Usual stuff about who comes here and why and then ... this.

Some local, non-saurian businesses still take advantage of Glen Rose’s dinosaur reputation in signs, marketing — even their names, such as the Dino Rider Cafe. Other locals, however, aren’t wrapped up in dino-mania, said Kelly Hoodenpyle, executive director of the Glen Rose Chamber of Commerce.

“Some people who have been here a long time are tired of it, and the dinosaur lends itself to children and tourism. They’re looking for a different logo,” she said. “Some people want to get away from it and see a more professional logo on things.”

The city is also getting more attention for its outdoor activities, and Hoodenpyle sees this as an area where the city can grow.

“Glen Rose is just a lot smaller than the other towns, and we’d like to see it grow but keep that small-town atmosphere,” she said. “I don’t know if the dinosaurs will do that. . . . Between the small businesses here and the dinosaurs, that’s what Glen Rose is. It’s kind of a pull between the future and moving on and keeping that tradition of the dinosaur.”

Must be kidding. Ever since I've been a small child, Glen Rose has been associated with dinosaurs. I remember living in Dallas and driving down 67 to get to Marble Falls and San Antonio and seeing dinosaur signs. The dinosaur footprints in the Paluxy are not only what make Glen Rose unique but are intrinsic to the area. Ampitheatres, rodeo venues, wildlife drivethroughs... are not.

One wonders just what would subsitute for the dinosaur? Interesting because fully half the article is from Billy Huckabay talkiing about bringing tourism to the town and yet the Chamber of Commerce seems to have an opposing viewpoint that would cut the heart out of what makes Glen Rose unique. But maybe there's a difference between growing the city for more tourism and growing the city to look like a business destination.

Reminds me of the Larry Smith presentation I went to some months back where he talked about how he wanted the property there on the corner of 144 and 67 to define the face of the city. That face would include, among other things, gated communities and an upscale business-oriented hotel (not the one there right now but another one) catering to the business community. Could it be that he or others that are attempting to make the city become more chi-chi find the dinosaur tiresome?

I was thinking about the logo on the city I last lived in before this, The Colony, the other day. Their logo incorporates a sailboat and water, with City by the Lake. (Lewisville). In other words, The Colony capitalizes on what is a charming feature. Seems to me that somebody or somebodies are being massively short-sighted and I, for one, think it would be a mistake to Dump the Dino.