Teddy Bear picnic returns to Strathmmore

After a one year hiatus Rocky’s Bakery owner Rocky Blokland and Hidden Secrets owner Elisa Maxwell are bringing back the Teddy Bear Picnic this year on May 4. 

Both Maxwell and Blokland have a love for teddy bears. Maxwell sells them and Rocky’s Bakery has them adorning the windows and counter space. 

“The Teddy Bear Picnic is a fun afternoon, where people can bring out their favourite stuffie and show it off,” said Maxwell. 

“People can expect to have fun! We have the fire dept. bring out the truck(s), and the EMT’s. Rocky will have the tent set up in front of the bakery and Hidden Secrets, where he will sell lunch. 

“Part of the money made from the sold lunches will be donated to the Strathmore Youth Club, as well $1.00 from every bear outfit sold from Hidden Secrets will also be donated. 
We also have some mascots coming out too.”

May 19 officially marks national teddy bear day. The history of the teddy bear is believed to have begun with President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 when he refused to shoot a bear while hunting. It is reported that the story circulated and then was made into a political cartoon. The image then sparked the imagination of Morris Michtom who created the first known stuffed bear.

The Teddy Bear Picnic begins at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on May 4. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favourite stuffed friend to enjoy lunch with them. For anyone who maybe needs a new stuffed friend, or doesn’t have one, Hidden Secrets will be able to fix that problem.