BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Doreen Radway’s unique scavenger hunt in Canton is a little more than three weeks away as organizers put the finishing touches, including the hand-crafted statutes, on the Brown Bear Ramble.

The event will officially open Saturday, Oct. 7, following a celebration in the Canton Village Park at 10 a.m.

The Brown Bear Ramble will begin with a reading of the iconic story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle as well as the singing of the Brown Bear Rap, noted Radway.

“The planning committee has been working very hard and a year and a half of hard work is finally coming to a fruition,” Radway remarked. “We have many fun and varied plans for the day.”

Following the morning reading and song, the village park will be filled with crafts and activities presented by SUNY Canton Early Childhood Education students and Dr. Maureen Maicco. There will also be face painting by K&M, photos with Brown Bear and using a map to explore and locate the bronze statues throughout the village.

T-shirts and cookies in the shape of the characters will also be for sale.

Radway noted the map and logo were designed by Canton Central School art teacher Greg Kiah and some of his students.

“When the student completes their passport of finding the statues, they will receive a copy of the book,” said Radway.

Kristen Ames, advisor of the Canton Central National Honor Society, and her students, will provide assistance along the trail and in the park.

With the cancellation of the Remington Festival, Radway welcomes two tie-ins for the event – the TAUNY Center, 53 Main St., and the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, 3 East Main St.

Scavenger hunt ramblers can stop by TAUNY from noon to 4 p.m to view an exhibit showcasing the process of sculpting and casting the bronze statues while learning about the variety of metal arts through interactive demonstrations by artists, according to a press release.

Any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Historical Association, participants and the general public can enjoy an exhibit of metal artifacts and learn about the history of metalwork in the region.

“ I hope that the scavenger hunt will bring lots of people to Canton. The statues will be permanently mounted throughout the Village and I hope that generations of children and families will enjoy the hunt for many years to come.” stated Radway. “It is my hope that people will enjoy the many aspects of Canton as a warm and welcoming place.”

The venture is still accepting donations with money to be placed in a maintenance fund, said Radway. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Radway at (315) 212-5620 or Emily Hastings at (315) 386-3712.