The Charleston Parks Conservancy announces its fifth annual Teddy Bear Picnic will be 1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9 in Hampton Park. The free event is designed with children and their teddy bears in mind. A Teddy Care Station will be available for "injured" bears needing treatment. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch, blankets and chairs to enjoy an afternoon in the park. Activities and entertainment will include live music, face painting, seed planting, cookie decorating, crafts and hula hooping. The afternoon wraps up with a teddy bear parade. Food will be available for purchase.

"The mission of the Conservancy is connecting people to their parks," said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Conservancy. "We include teddy bears too. Bringing families to parks is sure to create lasting memories that develop the bond between people and their parks."

Conservancy volunteers lead and put on this popular annual event. Co-chairs for this year are: Fran Hummel and Stephanie Coffin. More than 50 volunteers and almost 500 hours will support the effort.

The rain date for the event is Sunday, March 16; information will be available on Facebook/Twitter in the case of inclement weather. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.