The little teddy bears were having a lovely time on Saturday – along with hundreds of children who took them down to the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The inaugural Teddy Bears’ Picnic coincided with the National Children’s Week celebrations – and celebrate they did! Victoria Park was transformed into a wonderland of fun, with craft, games, and entertainment for the young and the young at heart. The free event attracted more than 1,000 guests, with plenty to keep little fingers busy. There was a very popular lollipop ring toss, and a bubble station for a burst of fun. Some kids spent most of their day bouncing in and out of the jumping castle, while others indulged in a face-painting make-over.
Kids could get crafty using fruits and vegetables to create something exquisite, or make their own colour-in wearables. For those wanting to express themselves a little more vibrantly they could take to a graffiti wall. Sahara Park Riding School brought a couple of their prettiest ponies into town, thrilling countless little picnic-goers who
enjoyed the pony-rides.
An amazing troupe of young dancers from Kirsten’s Dance Studio wowed the crowd with their summer-themed routines, and Mainly Music got little toes tapping with interactive music and games. If all of this wasn’t exciting enough, there were a few prizes up for grabs. A giant teddy bear helped select the winner of the teddy bear competition, which saw the plushies pitted against each other in the cutest and best-dressed categories. Lily Ritchie
took home the coveted balloon-bouquet prize, and Leigh Baker from Parkes won the grand raffle – a cubby house donated by Bunnings, which will get plenty of use from her four young children.
Organiser Fiona Blyth of Centacare was thrilled so many community groups supported this event, and created such a lovely atmosphere.
By Raen Fraser