GOFFSTOWN - It was a day for teddy bears – and stuffed puppies, bunnies and other furry friends – on the town common in Goffstown on Thursday, July 12, as children attended Goffstown’s first Teddy Bear Picnic.

The event, sponsored by the Main Street Program, included such bear-themed activities for little ones as bear hug tag, guess the number gummy bears in the jar and a cupcake-decorating station, where the sweet treats could be adorned with bear paws.

The picnic is one of the newest endeavors of the Main Street Program, said Director Robbie Grady.

“We decided we wanted to shake things up a bit,” Grady said.

Grady felt the Thursday evening concert series on the common had run its course, and said she was looking to offer some daytime events that would be of low cost to families.

Grady was pleased to see many new faces at the picnic.

“Judging by today’s turnout, I’d say this was a good thing,” she said.

There will be two additional days of the Picnics in the Park program. The theme for July 19 is Finding Fairies and July 26 will be a Pirate Party.

Those who attended the picnic were happy to have something inexpensive and fun to do with their children.

“My kids were looking forward to this all week,” said Stacie Plourde, who brought her two little ones to the event.

“This is such a family town,” said one parent. “I don’t think we’ll ever move.”

Cathy Schlottmann brought a friend who recently moved to Goffstown to meet some new people.
“It really brings the community together,” she said.

Other events are also scheduled for the coming months.

Throughout August, the community can engage in some fun fitness activities on the common, as each Tuesday and Thursday will feature some group exercise.

“In August, the common will turn into a fitness camp,” Grady said.

“Movin’ on Main Street” will include yoga, tai chi, Zumba and a fitness boot camp. Events are for all ages and free to the public.

Grady said she hopes that children will always remember how much fun they had in their downtown community.

“It’s really about creating memories for the next generation of Main Street shoppers,” she said. “We want them to remember Main Street as a fun place.”