The 19th annual Teddy Bear Day returns to Glendale this weekend.

The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in Historic Downtown Glendale. The free, family-friendly day includes make-and-take arts and crafts and bear-themed activities, and treats throughout the Catlin Court and Old Towne Districts.

Begin at the Arizona Information Center Booth, located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the event map and visit with Al the Bear from 10 a.m. to noon.

A shuttle, sponsored by Interstate Packaging Group, Inc., will be available for travel throughout downtown, visiting boutique stores, specialty shops and eateries for artisan pop ups and hands-on activities including decorating a chocolate bear at Cerreta Candy Company and Arizona Search Dogs demonstrations at Bears & More.

In addition, Glendale Fire Department and Glendale Police Department vehicles will be on display in the Catlin Court retail district.

“An important part of the event is the charity drive to benefit the Trauma Teddy Program,” Valerie Burner, owner of Bears & More and event founder, shared in a press release.

Located at 7146 N. 58th Drive, Bears & More will be selling safety-approved teddy bears for $10. The bears are then donated directly to the Glendale Fire Department, Glendale Police Department, local emergency rooms and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

These first responder organizations give the bears to children experiencing traumatic situations. More than 12,000 bears have been provided to the Trauma Teddy Program since the beginning of Teddy Bear Day.

The event is sponsored by Bears & More, Aurora, Interstate Packaging Group, Inc., and the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the Historic Downtown business community.

Hands-on activities at Teddy Bear Day will include decorating a chocolate bear at Cerreta Candy Company.

(Photo provided by Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association)

Al the Bear will be there to meet kids and families from 10 a.m. to noon at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures.

(Photo provided by Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association)