The annual Teddy Bear Picnic is set to return to Okotoks on Tuesday, July 15.
Now in its 22nd year, the event is organized by the McMan Family Resource Network in Okotoks, with a focus on connecting families to the support they may need while providing a fun, family-friendly experience.
“It’s all rooted in the idea of building connections and supports for the community,” said Roshelle Stooshnov, an early childhood and parent educator with McMan. “The kids' end of it is that all those wonderful community agencies have fun family activities at each of their booths that kids can participate in with their parents. Some lawn games, some colouring, different activities.”
Over 20 community organizations from around the Foothills are expected to take part, including Inclusion Foothills, Rowan House, the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, and Families Matter.
The event is being held at Ethel Tucker Park, and kids are welcome to bring along their teddy bears to join in the fun.
“We really want to encourage families to grab some food, sit down on the grass, and have lunch with their teddy bears while enjoying the entertainment,” Stooshnov said.
Along with games and activities, the event will feature food trucks, a magician, a balloon artist, and a gymnastics course.
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association, the parent organization behind the Okotoks resource network, is also celebrating a milestone this year: its 50th anniversary.
Founded in Edmonton in 1975 as a group home, the agency has since expanded to offer 22 different programs serving more than 4,000 children, youth, and families in Southern Alberta.
From housing and mental health support to parenting programs and early childhood education, Stooshnov says the work McMan does is about building lasting connections through community.
“I love what I do,” she said. “I wake up every day excited to go into work and meet new families or see returning ones come back week after week."
While based in Okotoks, the McMan Family Resource Network supports communities throughout Foothills County, including High River, Diamond Valley, and as far south as Claresholm.
The Teddy Bear Picnic will go ahead rain or shine at Ethel Tucker Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.