Teddy Bear Picnic returns to Hampton Park for 13th Event

February 6, 2023

Children and their teddy bears will take over Hampton Park on March 12 for the annual Teddy Bear Picnic. Hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy, this event has become a beloved tradition for Lowcountry families.

This year’s picnic is 1:30-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at the gazebo in Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Drive. Rain date is March 26. The Teddy Bear Picnic, presented by Dominion Energy, is an afternoon of family fun with musical entertainment by John Cusatis, dancing, games and crafts. Admission and all activities are free.

Bring a picnic lunch, blankets and chairs. Food trucks will be on site with food and beverages available for purchase, including King of Pops, Holy Rolly, Madrigal’s Tacos and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.

Although the event is free, families are encouraged to register in advance to ensure adequate supplies and craft materials. Register at www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/programs-detail/teddy-bear-picnic.

Returning this year is the popular Teddy Bear Urgent Care, sponsored by Access Healthcare, where sick or injured bears can get patched up. Additional activities include music by John Cusatis, Bee-a a-Pollinator scavenger hunt, obstacle course, bubbles, storytelling with Charleston County Public Library and Begin With Books, seedling planting, crafts and more. The event will wrap up with the popular Teddy Bear Parade.

“It’s incredible how this event has grown. It really has become a tradition for so many families,” said Stephanie Lee, director of development. “This event goes right to the heart of what the Charleston Parks Conservancy does: connect people to their parks. We know hosting free events is vital to the health of our community because when parks thrive people thrive.”

The Conservancy relies on dozens of volunteers to make the Teddy Bear Picnic a success. Anyone interested in volunteering can complete a volunteer application at bit.ly/3XMduAR.

Additional sponsors of the Teddy Bear Picnic are Cru Catering, United Community Bank and Palmetto Goodwill.

 

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.