Newborns to six years old are urged to tote their favourite stuffed friend to this year’s 11th annual Teddy Bear Picnic in Peace River.
The event will be held on June 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Baytex Energy Centre in Peace River.
“Our Family Resource Network hosts this event each year as a way to connect families in our region with services and supports and programs that work with families,” says Peace Region Family Resource Network (PRFRN) program coordinator Lindsay Gauvreau.
“Families will find everything from developmental support programs like Early Intervention, speech and language and public health to fun programing like local library programs and clubs,” she adds.
“Children get to move through the interactive booths with their teddy bears while parents can ask questions and connect with the programs.”
Gauvreau urges all families in the area with children under six years of age to attend. She says the event is free for families to attend, making it accessible to everyone.
“Our Teddy Bear Picnic can be best described as a mini trade fair for toddlers and preschoolers,” explains Gauvreau.
“There will be 25 interactive booths where children cand do activities, play games and interact with their stuffed toy. We encourage all children to come with a stuffed friend. Each booth will also have information and connect info for parents and caregivers.”
Gauvreau notes the event is meant to be fun for everyone attending and it’s a great way to get to know other families in the community.
“We always have fun spring-themed door prizes families can enter,” she adds.
“We also will have a snack shack this year offering ice cream and cookies that are free for families.”
Gauvreau says PRFRN keeps hosting the event because it is a lot of fun for attendees and organizers alike. She says the kids have a great time at an event made for just them and it’s a great opportunity for parents to access information and connect to supports and services.
“Last year, we welcomed just over 800 participants,” Gauvreau says.
“It’s a great way to showcase what’s available for families in our region and a fun way to reach a lot of families at once,” she adds.
If anyone has any questions about the Teddy Bear Picnic, they can phone PRFRN at (780) 624-0770.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter