By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven’s Teddy Bear parade celebrated its 40th anniversary with a jaunt through the center of town and fun activities on the lawn of the Unitarian church on Saturday, 8/16/25. Children and their adults marched from the Millicent Library up a few blocks and through Our Lady’s Haven, giving the residents there a chance to see the kids and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Daisy D. Dots and her band of cheery clowns led the parade and provided face painting afterwards on the lawn of the UU church. Other activities included huge bubble making, and small stuffed animal making. Everyone was also welcome to some free donuts and cold water.
The Library also had a lot of old pictures on hand, tracing the event back to its beginning.
Several people found themselves in the photos from when they were young and showed their own children, who attended on Saturday, said Allie Thiel, Assistant Director and Head of Youth Services for the Millicent Library.
She also said it was the biggest event they have had, with more than 250 marchers participating.
She thanked the Friends of the Millicent Library for sponsoring the Wishkers, providing small unstuffed animals and the stuffing to make them, all for free.
“We really wanted to celebrate this in a special way,” said Ms. Thiel. “We’re really glad people came out for the 40th.”
And all ages showed up, from those in strollers, to teens to grandparents.
Sisters, Harper, 14, and Piper, 11, have been going since they were little. And they show no signs of growing out of it yet.
“It’s really fun,” said Harper. “I like seeing the Teddy Bears that the kids bring.”
She said she used to take a bigger bear, but now has a more modest one.
Piper had an even smaller bear, one she got at her dance recital.
She also said she likes to see Daisy D. Dots and all the different bears that kids take with them.
Young Eden Costa was working hard to stuff her new Teddy Bear with the Wishkers stuffing, while mom, Erin, supervised.
“What a nice event this is,” said Erin.
To learn more about the Millicent Library’s programs, visit https://millicentlibrary.org of stop by at 45 Center Street, Fairhaven.
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- Daisy D. Dots and her band of merry clowns lead the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Residents of Our Lady’s Haven clap and smile as the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven strolls through the grounds on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Marchers make their way across the grounds of Our Lady’s Haven during the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Reagan Anne holds onto two Teddy Bears during the festivities after the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- A couple of marchers hold their Teddy Bears high in the air during the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- A little girl pushes her Teddy Bear in a stroller during the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Harper and Piper pose with the mascot after the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Daisy D. Dots paints the face of Rosemary Hebert as part of the festivities after the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Eden Costa stuffs a Teddy Bear with Wishkers stuffing, while her mom, Erin, supervises, during the festivities after the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Children make huge bubbles on the lawn of the Unitarian Church during the festivities after the 40th Teddy Bear Parade sponsored by the Millicent Library in Fairhaven on 8/16/25. Photo by Beth David.
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