The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum hosted its annual Teddy Bear Tea and Cookies event on December 9, 2023, drawing families eager to celebrate the holiday season. This cherished tradition, although less than two decades old, has quickly become a highlight of the festive calendar for many local families.
Rebbeca Ferguson attended the event with her sons, aged 11 and 9, expressing her enthusiasm for the occasion. “Oh yeah, they love it, and it’s become a tradition because we’re all still kids at heart,” Ferguson stated. Her sons embraced the spirit of the event, with one dressing as an elf and the other as a reindeer.
Trevor Allen, the museum’s executive director, emphasized the community-oriented focus of the event, stating, “Everything we do is about community — that’s what this museum is about. We are a safe space for everyone.”
Suzane Harrington-Cole, a volunteer who has supported the event for a decade, shared her joy in seeing children experience the magic of the holidays. “For me, this event is the start of Christmas. It’s where we all come together, no matter our color or our size,” she remarked while handing out hot chocolate and cookies.
The event has evolved over the years, transforming from a simple gathering into a multifaceted celebration. Allen noted, “For years, we used to have the teddy bears brought down from the basement and put on display where the kids could play with them. The only problem is the kids wanted to take the teddy bears home with them.” Now, the valuable teddy bears are safely displayed under glass.
Children attending the event received more than just a teddy bear. They left with free books donated by Alibi Bookshop, enjoyed photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and even met the Grinch, who added a playful touch to the festivities. The event also featured a performance by the Magical Moonshine Theater, presenting “Puppy Locks and the Three Bears,” which proved to be a hit among the young audience.
The presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Thomas Bilbo and Francean Larsen, respectively, brought additional joy to attendees. Larsen noted, “I love seeing the looks on all the babies that come in. Giving back to the community and making them happy? That’s the best part.”
A highlight of the event was the distribution of free gifts. Initially reserved for pre-registered attendees, the initiative expanded when Angels With Heart stepped in to ensure all children received a wrapped mystery present. Ferguson reflected on this, saying, “No matter what, on Christmas morning, we will have a gift that nobody knows what it is. I think that helps keep some of the magic of the day.”
Ferguson, a regular attendee, appreciated the diversity of activities at the festival. “The museum and Angels with Heart do such an amazing job,” she commented. “There’s Santa, books, activities, music, food, and dancing. The kids go through the museum, learning history while having a fun, festive day. Vallejo gets a bad rap sometimes, but one thing the city really knows how to do well is the holidays.”
The Teddy Bear Tea and Cookies event continues to foster a sense of community and joy, ensuring that families can come together to celebrate the season. As the museum looks ahead, its commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all remains at the forefront of its mission.
