Teddy bears picnic to bring Sunday smiles

A special teddy themed picnic postponed earlier this month as COVID alert levels changed will be held on Sunday.

Ted’s Big Day Out is a free teddy bear themed public picnic and programme of fun activities organised by Barnados to help celebrate Children’s Day in Marlborough.

Bears of all shapes and sizes are set to join in the fun at Pollard Park and organisers hope little guests will also join in the fun.

Organisers hope people will come along to Pollard Park to support the event.

Barnardos spokeswoman Katherine Horrey says they are keeping their fingers crossed the event will go ahead.

“Obviously should the Covid level change again for the worse, this date will be reconsidered. As the weather is getting cooler, we might substitute the water slide for a dry one – but will decide closer to the time.

“Fingers crossed it will be able to go ahead on 21 March.”

Barney the cuddly bunny joins Barnardos social worker Jessica Eaton ahead of Sunday's special picnic. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Highlights of the day include a giant water slide, fun games and activities with a teddy bear theme, balloon animals, colouring in plus some live music from the Marlborough District Brass Junior Band and other local musicians.

Everyone is welcome and reminded to BYO picnics, blankets, togs and towels.

Other community groups keen to celebrate Marlborough tamariki and their whanau will also be there.

Children’s Day is an opportunity for families, and communities to celebrate and nurture the children of New Zealand, Katherine says.

“The day is as much a celebration of children as an opportunity to engage all of New Zealand to think about their responsibility to support the lives of tamariki in their communities.

The celebration will be held between 12 and 4pm.