> Return to Press Room

Baby Bears coming out May 11th

For immediate release

Baby Bears Come Out for Stroll on May 11

Wilmington, VT, April 24, 2007 – Bears in the Valley’s table-top sized Baby Bears will be unveiled on Friday, May 11 from 5pm – 7pm in a fun-filled Village Stroll in downtown Wilmington.  The evening will feature 56 baby bears in galleries and shops throughout the village, as well as entertainment, shopping and family dining.  The baby bears will be on display in Wilmington village for this weekend only before moving to their summer destinations throughout the Valley. 

The baby bears have been sponsored by local businesses, schools and individuals and hand-painted as part of local arts education programs.  Students in ten area schools have created one-of-a-kind bears that will be sold via silent auction throughout the summer.   Participating schools include: Deerfield Valley Elementary, Whitingham School, Dover Elementary, Twin Valley Middle School, Twin Valley High School, Readsboro School, Halifax School, Marlboro Elementary, Wardsboro School, Leland & Gray HS, Kids in the Country Child Care and Wings After School Programs.  All silent auction proceeds are being donated to the participating schools

          There will be tons to do at this Village Stroll besides seeing all the beautiful designs created by our budding artists.  Street performers will be spread throughout the village and will include musicians such as Andy Muhler & friends, Jean Chaine, Dale Doucette and George Adair. The Stroll will also feature Bear Bandits (strolling face painters), kids on stilts, a circus activity lawn, and Cole, the Bear.   The Village Stroll will also offer a “red carpet”-type photo opportunity for students attending the prom who would like to stop in the village for a photo shoot from 6:30-7pm on the Crafts Inn lawn.

Businesses with bears on display for Village Stroll will have balloons attached to their doors.  Most village shops are staying open late in order to support the event and several village restaurants will be running specials or opening early to allow families flexible dining options.  Restaurant choices include: Poncho’s Wreck (opening at 4pm), Zuppardi’s Pizza, Dot’s Restaurant, Jezebel’s, Vermont House, Beanheads, Village Pub, Anchor (reservation suggested for parties of 6 or more), and Red Shutter Inn.  Come early and eat at 4pm, anytime during the stroll, or extend your evening and dine after the stroll.  Popcorn will also be for sale at the chamber.

Bear merchandise will be for sale including t-shirts, hats, and bear painting sets.  Cole, the Bear will be passing out Bears in the Valley balloons to all the kids.  This is a great opportunity to come out and celebrate our local budding artists and get a sneak peak at the bears before they move to their summer homes.

            The Village Stroll is the first in a series of Bears in the Valley events happening until Columbus Day weekend here in the Deerfield Valley.  The next event is the Bear-B-Que on May 26 at the Sitzmark, where the  Big Bears will be unveiled.  Keep an eye out for details on more events like the Artist Reception, Bear-foot Jam-bear-ee Dance at Adams Farm, more Village Strolls, and the Gala Auction at Mount Snow.

According to Laura Sibilia, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, “This is the inaugural event of what promises to be an exciting summer-long celebration of the arts. The community support and enthusiasm for the Bears in the Valley has been incredible.”