Killer dinosaur spotted in McKinney

Visitors to Historical Downtown McKinney should beware for the rest of October, as a creature straight from the set of “Jurassic Park” will be there to greet them. The spitting, shrieking Dilophosaurus that made short work of actor Wayne Knight has taken up residence just in time for Scare on the Square, which takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

The dinosaur was lent to the city by Billings Productions, a McKinney-based company that creates 150 such prehistoric creatures for zoos, museums and businesses across the world, including displays currently running in New Orleans, Cleveland, France and at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary’s “Dinosaurs Alive!” exhibit, which lasts until Jan. 31. Out of its collection, the Dilophosaurus ranks second in popularity behind the predictable king, T-Rex.

Downtown’s Dilophosaurus is a static, life-size model standing 9 feet high and 22 feet long, much larger than the Hollywood imagining also falsely given the ability to spit poison. Robby Gilbert, Prehistoric Display Advisor for Billings Productions, gave assurance that the real-life version was scary enough for this weekend’s Halloween theme.

“It probably would have torn you to pieces,” he said.

Gilbert said the thin-legged, long-necked Dilophosaurus looks built for speed, despite what may have been a half-ton weight. The company wasn’t surprised when McKinney asked them to provide a dinosaur for downtown, as it frequently fills orders for Halloween events. They provided the relatively easy- to- move piece, requiring only a single trailer, to add a unique scare to the square.

"We were excited and honored when the city of McKinney approached us about placing one of our dinosaurs in the downtown area for this event,” Gilbert said. “The Dilophosaurus allows us to bring a little extra scare to the Halloween event while allowing people to get an idea of just how amazing these creatures really were.”

More info on Scare on the Square

In addition to the treats given by shop owners, kids and adults can win prizes for their costumes at the new “Be Green on Halloween” costume contest. The city’s Office of Environmental Stewardship encourages residents to make their own costume using items already around the house, or make an environmental statement by creating a costume from reused or recyclable items. Prizes will be given for green and traditional costumes, and also for creatively decorated pumpkins.

Main Street partners once again with 3E this year to benefit the Food Pantry. Canned food can be dropped off at the McKinney Performing Arts Center anytime between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Friday. The specific canned food needs include 15-ounce cans of fruits and vegetables.

Admission is free and parking can be found throughout the historic downtown area. Visit www.downtownmckinney.com for more information or contact McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660.

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