Bright Star Promotions' Eighth Annual St. Louis Teddy Bear Show Held at the Embassy Suites St. Louis Airport Sunday March 9, 2008 |
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What was planned for one day in St. Louis suddenly grew into a 3 day event for some. How you ask? Major snow storms that were sweeping across the mid-west hastened the artists and collectors to leave home early and head for St. Louis before the storms. Those that arrived on Friday shared a dinner at the Macaroni Grill; telling of snow accumulations and drifts to 5 feet. "I was glad to get to St. Louis without too many problems," said Jacquie Pollitt from Ohio. |
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Planning a day of fun act ivies on Saturday, George and Art led a group of artists to The St. Charles Antique Mall. They searched for vintage accessories to compliment their bears. "I get inspired when I shop for antique items," remarked Diana Watts. |
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 Jeanne and Art admire a chenille spread. "Wonder how this would look as a bear?" Art remarked. |
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Diana looks in every booth and display with hopes of finding a treasure. |
 Valerie checks out old dolls and searches for vintage lady's hats. |
A week earlier, St. Louis had over 10 inches of snow, and by the time our group arrived the sun was warm and melting the snow. After antique shopping we ventured on to Old Town and enjoyed looking in all the shops; always on the hunt for bears and accessories. |
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The River and small park in Old Town
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Window shoppers and bear hunters. |
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When our feet were tired, several of us gathered in the Wine shop for a little refreshment. (L-R) Jeanne, George, Valerie, Art Sr., Mom Rogers, Art and Adriana. Meeting up with other artists and collectors, doing a little more sightseeing too, the group finally met at Tony's on Main Street for dinner. |
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 Good food at Tony's was enjoyed by all. We counted heads and there were 38 of us! Happy chatter and laughter was heard throughout the restaurant. "And they're eating their green stuff" said Valerie. |
 Jim, Sue, Betty and Jerry enjoying moments together too. |
After a big day of adventures and fun, everyone said good-night and returned to the hotel with thoughts of tomorrow's teddy bear show. Sunday March 9, 2008 - the show opens! |
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 Valerie Rogers, the show's promoter, presented a Winner's Certificate to Bettina Groh (The Glass Dragon) for submitting the bear's photograph used on the Collectors' invitation postcards. Congratulations Bettina! |
Shown is Bettina's "Harley" preparing to hop on his bike and head for the show! |
The Morning Eye Opener with the Artists Event brought area collectors into the showroom to enjoy coffee, pastries, fruit, cheese, juices and cookies. Several artists presented talks on interesting topics. |
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 Cathy Draper, Treasurer of Good Bears of the World spoke on the Joy of Giving. "When we give bears personally, we feel great joy," she said. Good Bears of the World is a non-profit organization giving bears to traumatized people who need a hug! |
 Bettina Groh (The Glass Dragon) demonstrated the art of needle felting. Her colorful Easter eggs were eye catching! |
 Pat Kapral (Hugs by Pat) explained how she created a pattern using a clay form and how the bear went on to capture many top world-wide awards. |
 Valerie presents Art and George a bottle of wine, with a bear logo, for their wonderful leadership of the pre-show activities; involving the artists and the collectors alike. |
After the artists presentations, drawings where held and gifts given to the V.I.C. the Very Important Collectors who attended the Morning Eye Opener with the Artists Event. To the right, Michael won a big bear donated by BJ Bears. Michael says his "collection is growing fast!"
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 One of the favorite things to do at the show was to vote for the bear you like best. |
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Art Rogers, Pat Berkowitch and Bob Pagano are all anxiously waiting to hear Valerie announce their place. No peeking Bob! |
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 Second place Collectors Choice Ribbon went to Pat Berkowitch (Babcock Bears). |
 Third place Collectors Choice Ribbon went to Art Rogers (Chatham Village Bears. |
The Best of Show - The Collectors' Choice Award was presented to Bob Pagano (Bob's Buddies) for his baker bear that sits in a large stoneware bread bowl.
Congratulations to all who entered and won!
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Collectors enjoyed meeting and chatting with the artists as they bought bears. |
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 Pat Berkowitch - Babcock Bears |
 Nancy Dane - Bentley & Buddies |
 Sue Van Nattan - Bearlooms |
 Isabella Hoffmann - Bearly Collectibles |
 Beth Anne Martin - Bears by Beth Anne |
 Donna Hinkleman - Bainbridge Bears |
 Bob Pagano - Bob's Buddies |
 Art Rogers - Chatham Village Bears |
 Collectors 'hunted' for their favorites. |
 A little break for Sarah, age 10, as she cut out paper 'bears' from the magazine. "We love coming to the shows and enjoying the day with the artists." they said. |
 Connie Schmidt - Connie Schmidt Bears |
 Bettina Groh - The Glass Dragon |
 Diana Watts - DiBears |
 Pat Kapral - Hugs by Pat |
 Dian Pete - Bears for Pete's Sake |
 Adriana Esqueda - My Favorite Treasures |
 Judy Mathis - Judy's Raggedy Country |
 Tyler Crain - Teds n' Such |
 Jacquie Pollitt - Threadbears |
 Vesta Griffith - Teddy's Treasure Chest |
Camera shy: Betty Frank - B J's Bears Dale Junker - Bear Street |
A "Special thank you" to the Adriana Esqueda and George Weber. |
Join us again next year |
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Collecting Teddy Bears is so much fun!® |
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Read Bears&Buds Monthly Online Teddy Bear Magazine You'll love it! |
