WHITE RIVER—The Township of White River is asking their residents, “What makes you happy?” as they announce their 34th annual Winnie the Pooh Hometown Festival.
As the story goes, back on August 24, 1914, a tiny black bear cub was brought by a local trapper to the Canadian Pacific Railway train station in White River.
That day, a young officer, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a Canadian Veterinarian from the 34th Fort Garry Horse Regiment from Winnipeg, arrived and got off at the CPR train station.
Colebourn noticed the young bear cub and purchased it for $20. He decided to name it Winnie after his hometown in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The bear cup became the mascot of the 34th Fort Gary Horse Regiment. During this time, the exceptionally gentle bear caught the attention of Christopher Robin Milne, son of Arthur A. A. Milne who eventually began writing stories about “Winnie-the-Pooh”.
Soon after, White River proudly proclaimed its township as the birthplace of Winnie the Pooh, and marked the occasion by celebrating with what became known as Winnie’s the Pooh Hometown Festival, held every third week-end in August.
For this year’s festival, the Township has chosen the theme of “Bouncing Back with Friends”, and is set to begin with a senior’s luncheon on Aug. 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. hosted by the Seniors Harmony Club.
A Shirt Tail parade follows at 4:15 p.m. which will begin at the township Information Centre. On Saturday Aug. 20, the Winnie the Pooh parade with their theme, “Bouncing Back with Winnie and Friends” begins at 11 a.m. from the Information Centre.
This year’s festival promises to provide a variety of activities sponsored by many local businesses and organizations.
Events include a Corn-hole tournament, a Winnie the Pooh trade show and market, a BBQ cook-off, an adult dance, with Sunday Aug. 21 highlighting a Family Fishing Derby.
For more information on the festival, everyone is encouraged to contact White River Township at 807-822-2450 or email them at: [email protected]
