PICNIC IS SOLD OUT — THANK YOU!!! National Teddy Bear Picnic Day is celebrated every year on the 10th of July and this year it will be celebrated in Kansas City for the first time! Join KC Parks on Friday, July 10 for an afternoon of fun on the front lawn of the Kansas City Museum. Be sure to pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and grab your favorite teddy bear (or bears)–dressed in their best attire, of course– and join us! The picnic is presented by Aetna Better Health (formerly Healthcare USA)
National Teddy Bear Picnic Day stems from the early 1900s when then-president Theodore Roosevelt gave the permission to use his nickname for the stuffed animal for children. In 1932, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song was released and in the 1950s the song was used as the theme for the Big Jon and Sparkie radio program. Between these historical points, there emerged a day where you bring your favorite stuffed bear and head down to the park for a sandwich together.
What is a Teddy Bear Picnic? It seems that there are few rules but generally:
- Everyone must bring a Teddy Bear, preferably one which has been spruced up for the day.
- A picnic must be brought which should ideally include things which your bear would like to eat too. Cupcakes and honey sandwiches are often high on the list!
- Teddy related games and crafts are usually played.
- A Best Dressed Bear contest is held.
KC Parks inaugural Teddy Bear Picnic will feature entertainment by Janie Next Door with her own rendition of the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song; teddy bear crafts by Macaroni Kids-Downtown; lawn games including Badminton, giant checkers, giant dice, golf and corn hole (thank you Northeast News!); face painting and more! Each child will receive a goody bag and commemorative photo.
BIG NEWS!!!! Thanks to our sponsor, Aetna Better Health, there is NO COST to attend, however, each child must be pre-registered. Attendance is limited to 150 so sign up today! Please email Carol Green with names and ages of children attending (must be accompanied by an adult).