The weather was very hot and everyone seemed eager to come into the "cool bear den." Collectors arrived early and couldn't wait to get a sneak peek of what was behind the closed showroom doors.

"The new Gallery Show gives me more time to see the bears," said one collector, while another announced "There are more bears per square inch here!"

Throughout the show, happy chatter and laughter was heard and many of us witnessed lots of bear hugs, both from the artists to the collectors and from the collectors to their new teddy bears!

Before the show opened, Valerie Rogers the show's promoter, presented Betty Franks from B.J's Bears with a gift. The red, white and blue bear photo was used on the collector's invitation postcards and in the show's advertising.

Thank you Betty!

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Brenda Yenke put the final touches on her table in preparation for the opening of the show.

A young collector in the making, Sean D., from Springfield attention was captured by the vintage rocking horse that was restored by Jackie Pollitt of Threadbears.

"The horse was just the right size for him," Jackie commented as he galloped off... rocked on!

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Marie M. from Columbus, OH was happy to win. "More money to spend on my hobby!"

Erma S., from Columbus, headed right towards an artists' table after winning!

Linda K., from Columbus brought in a bear that she 'replaced' lost from childhood. She found it on eBay. It is a Koala style Dean's English bear made from plush cotton during the 1930-40's, Ken told her.

Shirley T. from Columbus, OH, rolled in several bears in a carrier for Ken to appraise. The largest is a Schuco yes/no bear on wheels with the original pull chain in the nose area. Her other bear were a Medium Jopi and a German bear simialr to Steiff's Dicky bear. "I'm always excited to hear what Ken says about the history of each bear," she says, "He's a wealth of information."

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This big, cuddly teddy bear was awarded to the lucky winner of the drawing held at 2:30 p.m. from the winning Meet & Greet Game.

The winner was Larry R. from Westerville, OH.

Congratulations Larry!

During the show, each attendee was given a Meet & Greet Game Card. They circulated around the showroom, meeting the artists and getting their game cards stamped.

Ben Savino drew the winning card and Valerie announced the winner! The bear was mailed to Larry as he was not present at the 2:30 drawing.

So many bears, so many decisions!

Each year the Columbus GBW Teddy Bear Den conducts a Silent Auction to raise money to buy more "Brownie" GBW bears to gift to police, fire departments and those institutions who need 'hugs'.

Everyone was thrill with their winning bids!

The event date to be announced soon.