Devonport, Tas (District 9830)
Cuddly Critters Drop in for Annual Charity
Burnie Advocate – Tuesday 9/2/2010
Devonport will be invaded from the skies on Valentine's Day. Thankfully, the parachuting perpetrators won't be extraterrestrials but hundreds of teddy bears being dropped for the Rotary Club of Devonport's Fibre Hair Great Teddy Bear Fly-in.
The fly-in also incorporates the Dean Chamley Kite Festival, making it a great free family day at Meercroft Park. "It's a really nice family fun day, there's something for everyone," Devonport Rotary Club's Teena Snare said.
"The littlies love the bears and kites and the adults appreciate the demonstration kites."
Local businesses have the lands closest to the target having $4000 donated in their name to the Australian Rotary Health. The Advocate will sponsor a bear and is currently putting a number of bears through some rigorous training.
Rory the Rotary Bear, the Devonport Times' entrant for the past two years, will need to prove himself in the lead-up to get another go at the fly-in following two average performances. Members of the public can purchase a bear for $20 with the winner of that competition receiving a huge, cuddly teddy.
More than 200 bears are "It's an awesome spectacle when the net opens and the bears come down," Mrs Snare said.
Other things taking place on the day will be the Inner Wheel teddy bear parade, lots of food and entertainment stalls. Demonstration kites will be in the skies and families are encouraged to bring along a kite or purchase one on the day. For $2 kids can also register their own teddy bear to participate in the parade. Register on the day between 11am and 12.15pm, with the parade taking place straight afterwards.
Festival Beary Good Fun
Burnie Advocate – Monday 15/2/2010
Carol and Graham Gurney will have an extra passenger to take back to New South Wales after walking away as winners at yesterday's Rotary Club of Devonport's Fibre Hair Great Teddy Bear Fly-In and Dean Chamley Kite Festival.
The couple are now proud owners of a giant 1.8m teddy bear after purchasing a mini bear that landed closest to the mark in the annual fly-in.
Having holidayed in Tasmania for many years, the couple's love of kites sees them attend the festival each year while also staying on and making it into their annual holiday.
"I haven't entered the bear competition before but thought it was a good way of donating to charity," she said.
"I did say at the time, `Wouldn't it be funny if I won?'
"Now we just have to try and fit him into the car to take home."
Mrs Gurney said the couple are members of the Australian Kiteflyers Society and also members of the Kiteflyers Club of Tasmania.
"We have about 30-40 kites and buy a lot of kites from the makers in Tasmania.
"It has been a good day out," she said.
Winner of the corporate bear competition was Tasmanian Helicopters, of Latrobe, which will have $4000 donated in its name to the Australian Rotary Health.
Employee Peter Lapthorne said his company attended the fly-in each year as a way of giving back to the community.
"It is a buzz for the kids to see the choppers up close too," he said.
"I have just spoken to my boss Darryl Taylor and he is rapt our prize is going to a good cause."
A Devonport Rotary Club spokesperson said he was pleased with the turnout despite the weather conditions.