PaleoFest March 3-4 at Rockford’s Burpee Museum

Online Staff Report

PaleoFest 2012 is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4, at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

Eight of the world’s best-known dinosaur hunters and paleontologists will gather at Burpee to tell tales of dinosaurs and host interactive workshops with families, professionals and dino-lovers of all ages.

These scientists will present, debate and discuss developing new theories about these intriguing creatures.

PaleoFest is a full weekend of activities and programs for all ages, and consists of Paleo talks, family workshops, Dinoblast activities, and dinner Saturday evening.

Dr. Scott Sampson, host of PBS’s Dinosaur Train will be the keynote speaker at Saturday’s dinner. He will also present a family talk Sunday at the Rockford Theatre at Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford. A meet-and-greet and book-signing will immediately follow the Sunday presentation.

PaleoFest hours are 10 a.m.-5, Saturday and Sunday. General museum admission is $10 for non-members and free to museum members and includes DinoBlast activities for the day. Food is available throughout the day both days. Parking is available at the Burpee Museum and nearby lots.

Following are the admission charges for lectures and other activities.

Lectures

A two-day pass is $70 for non-members, $60 for members and includes admission to all lectures both days. Does not include Sunday at the Rockford Theatre or the dinner.

A one-day pass is $35 for non-members, $30 for members and includes admission to all lectures on either Saturday or Sunday and museum admission.

Individual lectures are $10 for non-members, $8 for members and includes admission to the selected lecture. Does not include museum admission, which must be purchased.

Dr. Sampson’s Children’s Lecture at Rockford Theatre is $20 for non-members, $15 for members. The lecture begins at 1 p.m.

Workshops

Individual tickets to the family workshop are $10 for non-member children and $8 for non-member adults; and $8 for member children and $6 for member adults. Includes admission to selected workshop. Does not include admission to the museum, which must be purchased.

Saturday night dinner

Dinner Saturday night is $50 for non-members, $40 for members. Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.

More information

Visit www.burpee.org or call (815) 965-3433 for more about PaleoFest 2012.

Posted Feb. 29, 2012