July 10th - Teddy Bear Picnic Day

July 10th is officially "Teddy Bear Picnic Day" in which all participants should give their favorite teddy bear a little break from snuggling and fix up a nice lunch to share with their best buddy. Celebrated in classrooms, the park and backyards everywhere, these cute picnics are a tradition for many children and parents alike.

The origin of this joyous day can be traced back to many stories in history, starting with Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt and the creation of the Teddy Bear.  Popular account has it that in November of 1902 Teddy Roosevelt, President of the United States and also a well-known hunter, was presented with a bear tied to a tree since he had failed to shoot one on a hunt earlier in the day. When he refused to do so a popular cartoonist at the time, Clifford Berryman, recreated the scene in the Washington Post which then led to the creation of a stuffed bear nicknamed "Teddy's Bear" that instantly became an overnight sensation. Soon after Teddy Bears were mass produced as a novelty item with millions now sold worldwide.


Other origins of this day are said to have originated from the popular 1907 John Walter Bratton instrumental song "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" that was even more popularized when it was given lyrics in 1932 by songwriter John Kennedy. Artists to have also recorded versions of this song include Bing Crosby, Anne Murray and even Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia.

"Teddy Bear Picnic Day" was officially launched in 1988 by collectibles dealer Royal Selangor. Based specifically on the song, Royal utilized the new holiday as a way to market and sell jewelry boxes that featured teddy bears enjoying picnics in the park.

So whatever your reason is for celebrating, the basic premise is pretty simple. Get a blanket, some good snacks, your teddy bear and head on outside and enjoy a beautiful day with the ones you love...

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Anne Murray - Teddy Bears' Picnic