The following poem appears on Bobber Bear's tag, the official Pequot Lakes beanie bear: Bobber
Date of Birth: November 10, 1997
"A cuter bear you'll never find,
He lives amongst the Pequot pines.
His memory lingers far and near,
Reminding you of our good cheer."
"Bobber" home at last
By JODIE TWEED
Staff Writer
PEQUOT LAKES
They were just born Nov. 10. But these tiny, white, bean-filled, plush bears born halfway across the world are finally home where they belong, in Pequot Lakes.
Bobber, the official Pequot Lakes beanie bear, has been for sale for three weeks now at Picket Fences in Pequot Lakes.
But they are "bearly" kept on the shelves for long, said Picket Fences owner Marge Meyer. The response over the little Pequot mascots has been overwhelming. More than 200 of the beanie bears have been sold so far out of the 500 Meyer ordered.
Meyer came up with the poem on the tag as she was driving to Brainerd from Pequot Lakes on Highway 371. Of course, Bobber is named after Pequot Lake's famed water tower.
The bears were actually sewn on Nov. 10, so that's the date of birth printed on their tags. There is no connection with the Ty Corp., the makers of Beanie Babies, but Meyer heard the Beanie Babies are made at the same manufacturing plant. She hasn't been able to confirm that, though.
As grandparents and parents buy several Beanie Babies at her store, it seems like they always pick up a Bobber Bear, too.
The Pequot Lakes Bobber Bears sell for $9.95 each.
Debbie Keen (right), of Ideal Township, bought a Bobber bear from store owner Marge Meyer when she came into Picket Fences last Thursday. Meyer said most customers are looking to buy Beanie Babies, but usually don't leave the store without buying at least one Bobber bear.
"I knew instantly after seeing this adorable bear it had to be our own," said Meyer.
A friend who owns a Bloomington company that sells promotional items approached Meyer in October about selling the bears. A graphic artist in Minneapolis designed the Pequot Lakes embroidered logo and Bobber Bear name tag, and the bears were made in China. "I would guess one out of two grab at least one of the Bobber Bears," said Meyer. "They love them, they think it's a cute idea and that it was needed. I assumed I'd have enough for next summer, but now I'm not so sure."
Meyer said she's already dreaming up a beanie buddy for Bobber, possibly available by spring.
