Picnic time for Hamilton teddy bears

It's beach party time at the Hamilton Gardens for teddies and their children at the Barnardos annual Teddy Bears Picnic.

About 3000 children and their toys will gather at the Rhododendron Lawn on Sunday, February 19 for an action-packed day of food, entertainment and spot prizes.

Organised by a group of Hamilton Parents Centre volunteers, with the goal of providing a fun day out for the whole family, the picnic is in its 17th year.

All proceeds go toward running the centre's parent education classes, toy library and music group during the year for more than 200 members.

In keeping with this year's theme, the centre is promoting water safety with representatives from surf lifesaving spreading the water safety message.

Entertainment is live on stage throughout the day, plus a range of roaming acts to give the day a festival feel.

Entertainers include Hamilton's The Funky Monkeys, Zappolina the Magician, face painters, stilt walkers, Balloons Funtastic, fairies and more.

Food stalls will also be operating while the PORSE tent is available for nappy changing, baby feeding and lost children.

Numerous spot prizes have been donated by local businesses, as well as a gate prize, along with a fancy dress competition in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Picnic organiser Wendy Flintoff-Baker recommends bringing some form of shade, a picnic and a blanket or seating.

DETAILS

What: Barnardos 17th annual Teddy Bears Picnic.

When: Sunday, February 19, 10-2pm.

Where: Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Dr on the Rhododendron Lawn.

Cost: Tickets are $2 per person or maximum $10 per family group, gate sales only. Under one-year-olds are free.