Even the best materials can wear out or break too early—Teddy Bear Exhibition hasn't even started, but parents have already let their kids sit right on the bears

▲ Before the exhibition officially opens, parents have already been letting their kids climb all over the bears. (Photo / Reporter You t
ru)

Reporter You t
ru / Taichung Report

The “Happy Bear City Carnival,” made up of 100 teddy bears, begins tomorrow (12th), with 76 teddy bears already on-site. Before the exhibition has even officially started, some parents have been letting their children climb on the bears as they look at them. The Teddy Bear Association said that while this year the materials have been thickened, they still hope the public will not treat the teddy bears roughly.

 
 
▲ Teddy bears in various designs are super cute. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen’geng)

This is the third year for the Happy Bear City Carnival. Even though large “Do Not Touch” signs are placed near the feet of the hundred teddy bears, during the previous two years, some visitors still “crossed the line”—not only damaging accessories on the bears, but also adding their own stickers and messages. In light of past damage during exhibitions, this year the teddy bears are not only made with thicker materials but are also fixed to their bases.

Before the exhibition has even started, many excited visitors have already climbed onto the 76 teddy bears placed in Taichung Park, sitting freely on the bears’ arms. The Taiwan Teddy Bear Association said that this year’s exhibition has increased the number of volunteers and staff conducting patrols, and will also arrange weekly inspections for repairs. Although the materials are thicker, basic actions like taking photos and gentle touching are fine, but if visitors try to sit forcefully on the bears or pull on them deliberately, “no matter how good the materials are, things can still break.” Travelers visiting the teddy bear exhibition are urged to be especially mindful.

%This year’s exhibition will not feature any loose or detachable parts, and the bears are securely attached to their platforms. (Note: Original Chinese unclear, translated contextually) (Photo / Reporter Lin Di, Strong)