Maritime Museum Registers Teddy Bears
There will be no hibernation for teddy bears this Christmas season. Instead, they will take part in Teddy Bears AHOY! The Great Bear Regatta, at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax.
A teddy bear registration was launched today, Oct. 29, to borrow bears for the museum's exhibit. The first 100 bears were loaned to the museum by 75 children from St. Mary's Elementary School in Halifax.
"When we last held this event five years ago, we suspected that there would be a few teddy bear fanciers out there, but didn't realize the response would be quite so warm and enthusiastic," said Gerry Lunn, museum curator. "Then, as now, we had invited the public to lend us their bears but we weren't sure what to expect. By the end of two days of registration, with 550 bears in hand, we knew we'd hit a sentimental spot."
Teddy bears appeared for the first time in 1902, capturing the hearts and imaginations of the young and the young at heart. One hundred years later, Teddy Bears AHOY! The Great Bear Regatta celebrates the advent of teddy and the heyday of boating regattas in turn-of-the-century Nova Scotia.
From Dec. 1 to Jan. 12, 2003, this exhibit will recreate regatta day in old Halifax by incorporating up to 1,000 teddy bears rowing and sailing to the finish line while spectator bears picnic and socialize along the shore and in boats.
The public is invited to register their teddy bears on Saturday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 8 p.m. Bear owners must be on-site to register their teddy bears.
Mr. Lunn admits that getting 1,000 teddy bears is a challenge but is confident that the goal will be reached.
"Anyone who wants to participate can register up to three bears. If your home is anything like my home, the rule seems to be where there is one bear, there are sure to be many more," he said.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St. in Halifax. More information is available by calling the museum at 902-424-7490.