As you start to build a tradition, it will grow, change, and potentially expand. One thing that wouldn’t change is its ability to bring people together and grow a community. What started as local businesses organizing a teddy-bear-themed week because of the 80th anniversary of the teddy bear has grown into a 43-year-long annual event that continues today. Over time, this one simple event has led Gresham into its biggest tradition.
This tradition has become more than just a fun event. It represents Gresham’s community, spirit, and history. Every year, families, schools, sports, and organizations come together to celebrate, showing how one small idea can bond an entire town.
The parade isn’t just about bringing people together. The Teddy Bear Parade also supports local causes through Soroptimist International of Gresham. They remind us that with this joyous event, we can also make an impact. As stated on their website, their goal is to “fund programs to support women and girls as they strive to achieve their career goals and realize the empowerment of financial independence.” They also go around the parade, and they have boxes dedicated for people to donate teddy bears in order to give back.
The Gresham-Barlow school district has been involved in many ways for many years. Our school adds to this parade by having our jazz band, dance team, cheerleaders, and little cheerleaders all perform, while our robotics team walks with them. They are being led by Mr. Bhear, our principal, in the yellow truck. A recurring participant is Mrs. Anderson. Not only is she a teacher at Barlow, but she is also the school’s dance team coach. Mrs. Anderson has been in the parade for about 15 years. As she has been able to see many teams throughout the years, she has also gotten to see the growth of the parade. But, she says that her favorite memory will always be, “Seeing all the kids that get so excited to see our students.” The dance team gets the opportunity to connect with the jazz band because they will have their dances match the songs that are being played. Our JV and varsity cheerleaders joined together to perform their cheers, and robotics showed their robot that they have been working on.
Over the years, the town of Gresham has kept the original aspects of the Teddy Bear theme alive. Everyone gets to their place in line, practicing, doing their final touch-ups, taking pictures, and the best part, everyone is matching in their uniforms and merch. Mrs. Anderson said that the only thing that has changed is, “We now get to throw candy at the kids on the side of the street,” which she also states is a nice addition that makes it fun.
Looking around and watching, the streets are filled with not only people, but also a community, all coming together to support this town and see all the things Gresham has to offer. Mrs. Anderson wouldn’t want to change a thing because the parade shows us how tradition builds a connection that has been able to last for 43 years, and will hopefully continue to grow.
