The real bears were probably feeling a bit neglected. After all, the recent Teddy Bear Picnic at the Brookfield Zoo was a celebration for their cuddly counterparts, teddy bears. And who would want to be upstaged by a stuffed bear?
About 300 zoo visitors-young and old-toted their teddy bears to the recent weekend affair, which included teddy bear breakfasts, ”get well”
clinics for ailing bears and a parade (rain canceled one day`s march).
Contests were held each day in five categories: most snuggled, best dressed, most original, largest stuffed and the bear that most resembles its owner.
Though most of the awards went to children, the judges awarded a 2d place in the snuggled category to Forrest Rank of Villa Park, who brought along the well-loved bear he received on the day he was born-June 7, 1934.
”The bear was just pancaked,” said Karen Lappa, media relations manager of Brookfield Zoo. Age meant little to this award winner. ”He was so proud,” Lappa said.
We thought you`d like to mix and match some of the teddy bears with their owners:
Answers
1-A (award for bear that most resembles its owner); 2-D (most snuggled award); 3-B (most original award); 4-C; 5-F; 6-G (largest stuffed award); 7-E (best dressed award).
1. Erin Huth, 5
Palos Heights
2. Amy Ferguson, 3
Elgin
3. Michael Fiorenzo, 2
Steger
4. Nicholas Daggers, 5
Des Plaines
5. Krista Saunders, 10
Frankfort
6. Vickie Whitcomb, 15
Glenview
7. Marisa Spiegel, 8
Northbrook
