Lilypad Picnic's bear 'Flash Mob' - July 21, 2012The big day is here. Little got done in the field today. Oliana got her medicine. The GPS-equipped bears transmitted their locations. But the main activity was the joy of meeting Lily Fans—seeing old Fans and meeting new ones. It was a day of celebrating bonds forged through love of bears. Every year becomes more fun as we get to know more people.
Lynn waltzes with Donna (Rogers) Bear - July 21, 2012A well-kept surprise was the production of “Walking With Bears” that many have been participating in since September to make 8 bear costumes, write new words to the tune of “Uncle Walter Goes Waltzing With Bears,” and keeping the secret from us. Lynn didn’t even recognize his wife in a bear costume until she spoke and they and the costumed bears began dancing to the tune while a dozen others sang and played. Touching.
The Lilypad Committee, now organized into the Northwoods Bear Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization, did an excellent job of organizing a schedule of activities, food, and a big (~200 items) silent auction. The main thing was the enthusiasm felt everywhere for the bears and the thankful feelings of how the bears brought so many together as friends.
Meanwhile, people were signing up for information on how to become volunteers, people were attending a session on how to become part of the Speakers Bureau, and both movements grew significantly. Both could become bigger than the Bear Center itself.
Bonfire at the Bear Center - July 21, 2012
This evening’s bonfire at the Bear Center was broadcast live to include the Lily Fans who couldn’t make it to Ely.
It is a day we will not forget.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center