A bear-y, bear-y special event set for Sept. 23
By Marcy Horwitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Toy Shoppe "Paws Across America" will make its only mid-Atlantic stop in Chesterfield County this Saturday.

If there's an official toy of childhood, it has to be the teddy bear.

This Sat., Sept. 23, this cuddly, timeless plaything will be the guest of honor during "Paws Across America," a daylong event for Steiff Teddy Bear collectors and all lovers of teddy bears.

Chesterfield is the only mid-Atlantic stop for the "Paws Across America" tour as members of the Steiff family travel across the United States to meet collectors for the first time in more than a decade. Headquartered in Germany, Steiff invented the first teddy bear in 1902, and is the world's oldest toy manufacturer.

"Paws Across America" will feature an airbrushing demonstration by Steiff artisans from Germany along with almost life-size Steiff Studio animals. There will also be games and goodie bags, and antique bears on display from Steiff's collection in Europe. Virginia author John Lamb will be on hand to sign his book, "The Mournful Teddy," a mystery of special interest to bear collectors. Special activities are planned for children.

For collectors, the highlight of the event will be "Jackie," an irresistible bear with white fur and startling blue eyes, that was created just for the "Paws Across America" tour. The bear's final touch - his airbrushed bellybutton - will be applied onsite, and Joachim Steiff, grandson of the company's founder, will be on hand to sign each bear, making it a true one-of-a-kind collectible.

The event is being sponsored by The Toy Shoppe, which has specialized in collectibles such as Steiff bears, Madame Alexander dolls and other toys since its opening in 1975.

"Paws Across America" will be held at the Sheraton Park South, 9901 Midlothian Turnpike, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 379-7995.