This past Sunday, March 3rd, Charleston Parks Conservatory hosted, and Dominion Energy sponsored, the 14th annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Hampton Park in Downtown Charleston. The picnic is an event that families and their children look forward to each year, as around 4,000 people showed up this year.
Volunteers arrived at the park at 12:30 and began prepping and getting into their stations for the picnic to officially start at 1:30. Families slowly started to trickle in before the 14th annual Teddy Bear Picnic finally took off.
Kayla Huff, Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships at the Charleston Parks Conservatory, said in a thank you email to all the volunteers that Teddy Bear Picnic 2024 was their “biggest one yet.”
The theme of the event was “Where the Wild Things Are,” taking inspiration from the book, as many children were seen dressed up in costumes while holding some of their favorite teddy bears. And for those who didn’t bring their own, the event provided complimentary teddy bears, along with a dress-up station for those who wanted to style up their stuffed friends.
Some of our very own Raptors from the Academic Magnet Key Club were part of the team of volunteers who helped create experiences for the families and children present, with Senior Grace Reuben actually being the one in the bear costume!
Top left to bottom right: Rowan Engelke (10), Hayden Moody (10), Ava Smoak (12), and Cliffie Manuel (12)
Grace says, “It was definitely unlike anything I had ever done/experienced before, but I actually liked doing it.” Despite it being “really hot” and barely being able to see, what she enjoyed most was that she “could make the kids happy,” as she was able to create many touching moments with them. She gave out high-fives, air kisses, and many, many hugs. However, there were a few scared children who did scream, cry a little, run away, or hide behind their parents. Poor Beary.
I reached out to Grace’s sister, Sophie Reuben, for any comments on her sister wearing the bear costume.
The event’s actual mascot was ‘Parker the Bear,’ but due to a bit of confusion, Grace’s bear began being referred to as ‘Beary the Bear.’ There was already a giant stuffed teddy bear photo station set up, so not wanting to confuse the kids by having two Parkers, Grace started being referred to as ‘Beary.’ She can be heard being called ‘Beary’ on News 4.
Key Club President, Senior Lilly Murphy, can also be seen making comments about the event on News 4 and Live 5.
Charleston Parks Conservatory had many stations set up for everyone scattered around the park, such as a crown-making station, drum circles, a teddy bear “Urgent Care,” educational booths about nature and the park, bubble stations, and so much more. There were also numerous live performances and food vendors.
Further, after about 2 and a half hours of fun, the Wild Rumpus Teddy Bear Parade took place at 4:00. Many of the children crowded around Beary at the front of the parade and it promptly began, led by two musicians playing the trumpet and drums. The parade lapped around the front of the park as many children wanted to hold hands with Beary, with one even running up to Beary, screaming “BEAR!” and holding onto Beary’s leg, causing a minor gap in the parade, but overall, it was lots of fun and full of laughter and happy smiles.
Extra:
When trying to take breaks away from the hot sun, Grace was unfortunately unable to completely take her bear head off as there were not any safe spaces away from the kids, resulting in sad bear 🙁 
