23rd Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic Another Smashing Success
Monday, June 01, 2009
A gorgeous sunny day for 40,000 kids, families and teddy bears at Manitoba’s favourite picnic in the park on Sunday, May 31
June 1, 2009
Winnipeg – It was a beautiful day in the park for the 23rd annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Assiniboine Park. Park police estimated about 40,000 kids, parents and teddy bears came out to enjoy the ever-popular family event.
“The Teddy Bears’ Picnic was a great success. It’s a testament to all the hard work of the volunteers that this event continues to remain an institution, and continues its great tradition of spreading child health awareness with a big helping of fun,” said Dr. Blair Seifert, Chair, Teddy Bears’ Picnic committee.
An overcast morning didn’t stop thousands of picnic-goers from coming out and enjoying the festivities, and it quickly blossomed into a gorgeous sunny afternoon, attracting droves of families for a good time and a little bear care.
A record-breaking 3,400 children took their bears through the Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital (BASH) tent to get special treatment for their furry friends. This year’s BASH included new areas like Heads-Up Neurology, where bears could have their brain activity examined. New tents like the Big Red Tooth Booth, which demonstrated proper dental care and featured popular children’s icon Clifford the Big Red Dog, were also a popular attraction.
One hundred per cent of proceeds from the sale of food items in the Rotary Food Tent and souvenirs in the Dr. Goodbear Store, sponsored by Subway, supported the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Teddy Bears’ Picnic could not be the success it is without the tireless work of the steering committee, thousands of volunteers, and the support of our generous sponsors.