Community favourite Teddy Bear Picnic Returns next weekend
- May 26
- 3 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant is inviting families from across Brant County to pack their picnic baskets, grab a favourite stuffed animal and head to Burford for one of the community’s most cherished family traditions.
The club’s 5th annual Kiwanis Teddy Bear Picnic returns June 7 at the Burford Fairgrounds, offering an afternoon of free family fun, games, entertainment and activities aimed at bringing children and families together.
This year’s event will once again feature children’s games, face painting and live entertainment from The Barry O Kidshow. Families are also encouraged to participate in several teddy bear-themed contests throughout the afternoon. Children can enter an art contest by creating a teddy bear picture at home and submitting it at the Kiwanis Tent before 1:30 p.m., while prizes will also be awarded for the most creatively dressed teddy bear or stuffed animal.
Running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the event will take place rain or shine. Youngsters who bring along a teddy bear or stuffed animal can also enter a special prize draw sponsored by Jim and Karla Stonham.
But beyond the games and laughter, organizers say the picnic reflects the deeper mission of the Kiwanis Club itself - serving children and strengthening communities.
“As a local chapter of an international service organization with a long-standing commitment to community service, the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant was first chartered on April 11, 2001,” noted Sheila Moore, Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant and Past District Trustee.
The club recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, marking a quarter-century of volunteerism and community support throughout Paris and the County of Brant.
Originally founded as the Kiwanis Club of Paris, the organization expanded its reach in 2011 to become the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant, reflecting its growing commitment to serving communities throughout the county.
Today, the club supports a wide range of local initiatives focused on helping children and families. Those efforts include awarding service scholarships to students, donating restored bicycles to disadvantaged children, organizing food drives, sponsoring youth leadership opportunities and participating in local volunteer projects such as Adopt-a-Road cleanups.
“The Kiwanis Motto is simple – Serving the children of the world,” Moore stated. “The club’s mission follows the Kiwanis vision - To be a positive influence in communities worldwide so that, one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to develop and thrive.”
The Teddy Bear Picnic has become one of the club’s signature events alongside its annual Breakfast with Santa celebration held each November in Paris. Both events continue to draw strong attendance from families across the county.
Moore said the club’s flexible volunteer model has also helped attract members from a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
“In 2011, the club became the first ‘3-2-1’ Kiwanis club in Canada,” Moore explained. “This flexible structure emphasizes community engagement over formalities, enabling volunteer participation while accommodating modern schedules.”
Families attending the Teddy Bear Picnic are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch or purchase snacks and refreshments on site. If you don’t feel like packing your own picnic, a canteen will be on site serving hot dogs, drinks and treats – cash only – no debit.
More information about the event and the club’s community initiatives can be found through the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant website or on Facebook at Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant Facebook page.
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