Everyone’s favourite budding Ballymena bears are back on the high street and are waiting for you rediscover their patch.
During the winter these blooming characters have been hibernating and have just arrived back into town to remind everyone to shop local, shop safe and most importantly, shop in Ballymena.
They also have a ‘bear’rilliant competition for you all to get involved in.
The three bears want to know how many flower buds are in each one of the bears, individually and collectively.
There will be three lucky winners who will win an educational zoom session with Wee Critters where they can invite up to 10 other households to join them.
The three bears, who have returned to the streets of Ballymena, are located at Bryan Street, William Street and the Harmony Hub.
Last Summer when Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership Mid and East Antrim Borough Council first installed them, they proved a popular attraction with shoppers and visitors.
Now they have made a timely return as restrictions from the lockdown ease and shops have reopened.
There is a small difference this year however, the bears have had a makeover to pay tribute to NHS and keyworkers who have been keeping us all safe during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “As the lockdown starts to lift we look forward to welcoming people back into our town centres and to see businesses thriving again.
“We hope the bears will attract the interest of the community and even further afield, and we are delighted to welcome them back.”
At the launch of the bears, Stephen Reynolds, Chairman of Ballymena BID commented: “It’s great to see these characters back and with such a timely message thanking our NHS and key workers.
“As Ballymena town centre eases out of Covid-19 restrictions the message is clear to shop local, shop safe and shop in Ballymena.
“All the stores and shops in town have taken tremendous steps to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Social Distancing is the new norm and we can make it work.”
Alderman Audrey Wales MBE, added: “Council is continuing to work hard with businesses across Mid and East Antrim as we take the first tentative steps to recovery from the economic shock caused by the Coronavirus emergency.
“We hope our community continues to show their support helping local traders to get back on their feet and we know the bears will certainly help to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”
As restrictions continue to be eased, now is the time to #RediscoverMEA and #ShopSafe and #ShopLocal.
To find out more about the competition check out the Council Facebook page where you can submit your answer and be in with a chance of winning.