Hundreds of stuffed teddy bears will hit the streets of Coquitlam for the first time in four years.
Festival Coquitlam will host its annual teddy bear-themed events next weekend, June 10 and 11, which is set to include the return of its popular parade since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The non-profit's colourful procession in the City Centre neighbourhood will consist of several floats, costumed characters, dancers and live musicians.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. next Sunday (June 11) and will leave Coquitlam city hall, travelling north on Pinetree Way to just before David Avenue and ending around 11:30 a.m.
Viewers are encouraged to find a spot away from some expected construction along the route.
Festive weekend
The Teddy Bear Parade is one of three headline events on Festival Coquitlam's calendar this month.
Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way) will be the setting for its community concert and picnic, which officially made its comeback last year with health and safety measures in place.
The Saturday afternoon (June 10) concert at TD Community Plaza, entitled "A Musical Rainbow of Fun," will serve as the kickoff for the weekend.
Its 3 to 5 p.m. line-up is as follows:
- Mr. I and the Musical Rainbow Students
"Well known children's musician Mr. I is celebrating his 40th year teaching the Musical Rainbow Program at Place des Arts. He and his students (aged 3 to 9) will perform songs from their year-end recital, singing and playing the recorder. Come watch these young, budding musicians on stage!"
- Music with Marnie
"Music with Marnie will be performing with a full band and puppets on June 10 at 4 pm as part of the Teddy Bear Picnic Concert! Every performance is a high-energy, up on your feet and boogying to the beat experience. Marnie is the winner of numerous West Coast Families Gold Awards for Best Children’s Band & Best Children’s Performer."
Meanwhile, the Teddy Bear Picnic will follow the Sunday parade.
Festival Coquitlam organizers say several interactive displays will be in Town Centre Park and visitors are encouraged to bring their own stuffed teddy bear for the occasion.
Booths, artists, face painters, demonstrations and musical acts will be roving around the park between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 11.
As well, the Girls Guides of Canada will joining the event this year with a teddy bear hospital where kids' stuffed friends can get a "checkup."
For more information, you can visit Festival Coquitlam's website or email [email protected].
The slate of performers for the picnic includes:
- Janina & Mr I., 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
"Janina and Mr. I have been performing together for over 25 years, entertaining and engaging audiences throughout BC. Filled with fun, laughter, upbeat songs and silly puppets, their show is a yearly favourite at the Teddy Bear Picnic!"
- Club Aviva, 11:30 a.m.
"Club Aviva students will demonstrate their gymnastics skills."
- Mayor Richard Stewart and city councillors, 12 p.m.
"Mayor Stewart will give his annual speech to inspire the little ones!"
- Mom Bop, 12:15 p.m.
"Mom Bop is a kids band founded by a group of four North Vancouver moms during the pandemic with a sound that bridges the gap between mainstream pop and 'kids' music. Mom Bop is energetic pop that really gets kids moving! Get ready to clap, dance and bust a move with Mom Bop — parents too!"
- The Springmans, 1 p.m.
"Take one adventurous, fun-loving, creative dad; add his four uniquely talented, courageous, and friendly kids, and you have, The Springmans! With their home-grown, organic brand of feel-good pop and praise music, they will take the stage at the Teddy Bear Picnic for the first time."
- The Great Gordini, 2 p.m.
"The Great Gordini will supply wacky and fun entertainment with his magic that will leave the kids talking for months. Don't miss this show!"
- Penny Pom Pom, 3 p.m.
"Everyone is thrilled to have the effervescent Penny Pom Pom back at this year's Teddy Bear Fest! Created by lifelong performer, professional artist and musician Jessica Mai, the Penny Pom Pom show encourages children to create freely, pursue their passions and believe in themselves."
