Blog Guelph: THE BEAR COMES HOME by Aidan M.D. Ware

One of the bear's many costumes, a photo by matt-wren on Flickr.

Almost everyone has at one time driven or walked or cycled past this large bronze sculpture known fondly as 'The Bear.' Icon, mascot, chameleon, and silent friend, The Bear has inspired a wellspring of creative interaction between groups and people. From birthdays to marriages to holidays, this sculpture has marked the passage of life's ceremonies with humour, intensity, and grace.

It was oddly humbling to see The Bear offloaded off of a cube van today - I saw it lying vulnerable with a bracing of cloth around its neck, the ties of the tractor strapping it and pulling it back to its vertical height. It was awing to watch as the tractor hoisted it to its new base, a pedestal of concrete and metal. The drills made way for the long pins and The Bear was gently placed back onto its perch as passers-by clamoured and smiled in the rain. Car honks resounded from Gordon Street; a cheerful and happy welcome home for our Bear.

It made me think about time. About community. About how we need to care for one another. The Bear's hand is outstretched... and so I for a moment reached out and held it, wondering what the coming years would bring; what celebrations it would banner, what causes it would forward, what imagination it would drive.

I hope many who have loved and shared with The Bear will come out to its re-unveiling on Saturday, October 1 at 7pm. I would love to talk to you and hear your stories and to share mine.