Kids and their teddy bears are in for a treat this Saturday, July 6 in Nanoose Bay.
Upwards of 700 kids are expected at the 22nd annual Quality Foods Teddy Bear Picnic and Nanoose Days, which includes a parade and a field full of child-friendly activities as well as live entertainment, food and refreshments. And then there’s the Teddy Bear stations.
“That’s the most important thing,” said organizer of the event and manager of Quality Foods’ Qualicum Beach branch, Ken Bowerman. “Bring a teddy bear.”
Kids and their favourite teddy bears can register at the Jack Bagley Field where they’ll receive a passport to take their furry friends on a slew of mini adventures, like the parachute rides, collecting passport stamps along the way. Registration is free and also entitles kids to a complimentary Mug Root Beer, a hot dog and a piece of cake.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a Nanoose Bay Lions Pancake breakfast, with proceeds going back into community projects, and free Karma coffee. That runs to 10 a.m.
The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. from the Nanoose Bay Fire Department, heading down Northwest Bay road and left on Powderpoint Rd., where the parade comes to an end at the Jack Bagley Field. There, families will find 20 corporate mascots, including Toucan Sam, Smokey the Bear, Daisy the Cow and Farmer Vicky.
There’s bouncy castles, a dunk tank, face painting, a Teddy tattoo parlour, wagon rides and interactive displays. The Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) will be on-site along with the Fire Department and COPS Ident-A-Kid Child ID program, among others.
Live bluegrass from the Mid Island Bluegrass Society in Lighthouse Country will come to entertain while families enjoy their lunches on the grassy field.
The event runs to 2 p.m. and registration can happen right up until that time.
“It’s a lot of fun, said Bowerman. “You won’t find any Nintendos or power, it’s a lot of imagination and a lot of fun.”
Bowerman said many corporate partners and community members come together to put on the event, including over 100 volunteers.
People can park at the Jack Bagley Field, at Nanoose Place or at Nanoose Bay Elementary School. For more information call the Nanoose Bay Quality Foods Store at 250-468-7131.