When it comes to interesting days to celebrate, the Teddy Bear Picnic Day is certainly one of the most unique and is celebrated on July 10 each year.
Almost every individual has had a teddy bear stuffed toy in their lifetime.
They have been loyal companions throughout our childhood.
The humble teddy bear has worn many hats since its inception, from being a cuddly playmate to a collector’s item.
Not many people know where the term ‘teddy bear’ or the concept of this stuffed toy came from.
It’s an interesting story.
It so happened that once on a hunting trip back in 1902, the then US President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear that someone had tied to a tree.
He stated that shooting it would be un-sportsman like – and that’s how the story of Teddy’s bear came about.
Toymakers Morris Mitchtom in the US and Richard Steiff under his aunt’s company in Germany made the first bears in 1903.
The day was created based on the popular song of the same name.
The tune was written by American John W Bratton in 1907.
The lyrics were added later, in 1930, by Jimmy Kennedy, a British songwriter.
It’s simply a day for families to enjoy each other’s company, their stuffed animals, and a picnic.
Residents at Boggabri John Prior Multi Purpose Service were treated to a room decorated with teddy bears of all ages, colours and sizes, as well as a delicious picnic lunch consisting of chicken wings, party pies, mini sausage rolls, pizza, hot chips and an ice cream cone with a teddy bear biscuit on top.
On the table there was a placemat that had been made by diversional therapist, Lynda Furner featuring the words to the Teddy Bears Picnic, as well as pictures of bears.
During lunch the residents listened to the Teddy Bears Picnic song and then after lunch they watched the movie, ‘Paddington Bear’.
Many popular artists such as Henry Hall, 1932, Bing Crosby, 1950 and Anne Murray, 1977, have recoded versions of the song that have been enjoyed by children and adults alike.
