Rideau Hall To Host 19TH Annual Teddy Bears?Picnic
2002.06.18 - Preparations are under way for one of the region? most anticipated annual family events, CHEO? Teddy Bears' Picnic. On Saturday, July 6th, Rideau Hall will once again host the annual CHEO ?hank You Party?that features a full day of family entertainment including the always popular B*A*S*H Tent. The picnic is CHEO's way of saying "thank you" to the community for the widespread support the Hospital enjoys during the year with events such as le tour Nortel Networks, the Kiwanis Duck Race for Tiny Hearts and the CJOH Telethon for CHEO.
The day gets underway on the beautiful grounds of the Governor General? official residence with a celebrity pancake breakfast running from 8 to 10 a.m. Pancakes, juice and coffee are $3 for adults and $2 from children.
The B*A*S*H Tent (Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital) officially opens at 9 a.m. Children are invited to bring their Teddy Bears and other stuffed animals for check ups, minor repairs and a visit to the dentist.
The parade of mascots signalling the start of the entertainment takes place at 10 a.m. CHEO Bear, RCMP Bear, Sparta Cat and Scratch are some of the colourful characters who never miss the picnic. Local entertainers including Marie Soleil will perform throughout the day until 4 pm.
Other activities will include carnival games, children's rides, a petting zoo, food concessions, clowns and face painting. Back by popular demand again this year, CGI presents the Build a Buddy tent where, for a $10 fee, children can make their own Teddy Bear.
Limited free parking will be available on the grounds off MacKay Street that runs from Sussex Drive. Parking will also be available at the National Research Council building and the old City Hall building on Sussex Drive and at the Aviation Museum. Shuttle buses have been organized to ferry families back and forth from all parking lots to Rideau Hall. OC Transpo bus Number 3 goes to within a couple of blocks of Rideau Hall. Commuters can catch the Number 3 on Rideau Street, Slater Street and from the Hurdman Station. Extra bicycle racks are being brought in for families who wish to cycle to the festivities.
Admission and most of the activities are free thanks to support from corporate good bears like CGI, Bell Canada, the Bank of Montreal, the 1st Canadian Field Hospital and Publishing Plus Ltd. Nominal fees are charged for some games, rides, food and refreshments. The rain date is Sunday, July 7.
For more information contact:
Len Hanes
Director of Communications
CHEO Foundation