Prehistoric Patriotism: Why a 16-Foot T. Rex Is Wearing a Colonial Hat in Leonia

Prehistoric Patriotism: Why a 16-Foot T. Rex Is Wearing a Colonial Hat in Leonia

photo courtesy of Carla Cavellucci Landi

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Leonia NJ, Even creatures that have been extinct for 66 million years are getting into the holiday spirit for America’s milestone 250th birthday.

If you drive past Station Parkway in Leonia, New Jersey, you will spot a rather unusual sight: a massive, 16-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex sporting a custom-made, tricornered colonial hat. This viral-ready roadside attraction is bringing a wave of local pride and festive joy to Bergen County just in time for the Fourth of July.

A Prehistoric Gift Becomes a Community Icon

The impressive model T. rex originally belonged to the now-shuttered Field Station: Dinosaurs attraction before being donated to the borough last fall. Since its installation at Station Parkway alongside other local sculptures, the dinosaur has quickly evolved into a beloved community landmark.

“It’s become something the community is proud of,” Leonia Mayor Bill Ziegler shared, noting that it has become a go-to photo spot for local families. “It’s generated a lot of excitement, especially among the children.”

The excitement is only growing; borough officials announced plans to host a naming contest for local students during the upcoming school year.

The Logistics: “Surprisingly Difficult to Put a Hat on a T. Rex”

The patriotic makeover began about two months ago when a creative Leonia family and their friends approached the borough with a unique proposition: designing seasonal hats for the dinosaur, starting with a tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Crafted by hand from a clever mix of cardboard, felt, and a special weather-resistant coating, the massive tricorner hat required a bit of heavy lifting to install. Members of Leonia’s Department of Public Works (DPW) stepped in to hoist the headwear into place last week, securing it safely under the dinosaur’s chin “like a bonnet.”

“It’s surprisingly difficult to put a hat on a T. rex,” Mayor Ziegler joked.

Bringing the Community Together

The quirky installation has been an instant hit. Mayor Ziegler noted an immediate influx of enthusiastic text messages and phone calls from residents loving the dinosaur’s new look.

“You don’t typically get that kind of reaction in municipal government,” Ziegler said. “It’s the kind of thing that keeps a community happy and together.”

With regional forecasts warning of severe summer heat and sudden rainstorms, local officials and DPW workers are keeping a close eye on the prehistoric patriot. Though a recent gust of wind temporarily knocked the hat askew, crews quickly responded to fix it.

“Hopefully it lasts until July Fourth,” Ziegler added.

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• Tags: Leonia NJ Bergen County News Fourth of July Community Spotlight New Jersey Attractions Roadside America