Benny the Dinosaur (Gone)
Benicia, California
Dixie, once a familiar fixture in Dixon on the drive down I-80 south from Sacramento to San Francisco, has moved. The 70-ft. long, 50-ft. high brachiosaurus was transported by heavy lift helicopter from her convenience store location to a "Cheaper" convenience store in Benicia in July 1998.
The dinosaur had been dedicated to "the many children traveling I-80," a large dinosaur egg at her base. On Dixie's perimeter fence hung a blowup of a $25 million dollar insurance policy for the "customers of Cheaper!-Dixon," with the notation: "Which is more effective -- a conscientious operator and a good insurance policy, or a bureaucrat's permits and regulations?"
A tipster reported the landmark was in danger of demolition by the new owners of the adjacent food and gas mart.
"No! No tear down! Move!" was the good news delivered by a slightly annoyed cashier at Dixon's new Tower Mart. The "Cheaper" gang got the necessary permits, and early one Saturday morning airlifted Dixie to safety.
Firmly anchored in Benicia, she's been renamed "Benny."
September 2004: After spending a few years at a gas station in Benicia, "Benny" was sold and moved to private property. August 2010: The remains of Benny the dinosaur are strewn in a field north of Benicia.