THUNDER BAY — It was long four-year wait, but with the pandemic in the past, today was finally the day the teddy bears got to have their picnic.
Thousands showed up to help them celebrate the long-time children’s favourite, held each July at Vickers Park.
Six-year-old Bryar Solomon, who was two the last time the event was held, said she couldn’t wait to have fun, joined by her sister and another family friend on Tuesday afternoon.
“I wanted to come here because there’s lots of fun stuff you can do and lots of fun activities,” the youngster said.
“There’s lots of fun shops you can go to and lots of fun games you can play.”
Her friend, five-year-old Avi Saunders, said she’d just gotten to the park, but was looking forward to the fun she knew she was about to have.
“I like the park,” she said. “But I don’t really know what I’m going to like and what I won’t like.”
There was plenty for her to choose from, including the teddy bear parade, face painting, games, crafts and the teddy bear aid station, designed to help heal any injuries their stuffed animals might have.
Louisa Costanzo, the city’s supervisor of cultural development, community programming and events, said it was great to be back at Vickers Park after such a long hiatus, and to see so many people out and about enjoying everything the Teddy Bears Picnic has to offer.
“It’s really just a celebration of coming together as a community and enjoying a beautiful sunny day,” Costanzo said.
“This event is always a community favourite, so it’s good to be back and seeing everyone together.”
The picnic runs through 4 p.m.
