stuffed animals
Many families visit the teddy bear fair in Munster
The self-proclaimed bear doctor Claudia Hartung examines an “injured” teddy bear. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Antique collector’s items or current manufactory specimens: There are many cuddly toys to admire at the “Teddybär Total” trade fair in Münster. A bear doctor is also on site.
The bear is loose in Münster: For the first time in two years, the “Teddybär Total” trade fair is taking place this weekend.
Almost 150 exhibitors from 10 nations are presenting their cuddly bears in the Exhibition and Congress Center. There are teddy bears as big as people and specimens that are just as big as a thumb, antique collectibles and current manufacture bears. In addition to the classic cuddly toy, creative interpretations of the popular toy are also shown.
At the opening on Saturday morning, the fair was already well attended, especially by families. Many carried teddy bears that they bought at the fair in bags and bags. At the stands, the bears are traded and haggled, reported a photographer from the German Press Agency.
If you wanted, you could bring a teddy bear from home and have it examined by three specialists at an appraisal office to determine how old or valuable the bear is.
A bear doctor was also available. Claudia Hartung from Heinsberg examines “injured” bears. She treats small injuries on site, she said. She puts in new eyes or sews heads back on. For larger repairs, she takes the bears home, “to the clinic,” says Hartung. She not only repairs the teddy bears of many children, but also the childhood bears of many adults. Like many exhibitors, she is happy and grateful that the trade fair, which lasts until Sunday, can take place again this year.