Mr. Bemberlinx is bear-ly one

Bring back the bear. Mr. Bemberlinx, The Shops at Atlas Park’s giant topiary bear, recently returned from hibernation to celebrate his first birthday.
Last year, The Shops in Glendale unveiled the 20-foot animal, decked with white lights, red earmuffs, and a garland scarf and boots. One customer, five-year-old Kristen Davis, then won The Shops’ contest to name the bear Mr. Bemberlinx, which was created by the James Trogolo Company over a six-week period.
“Last year, Mr. Bemberlinx was a tremendous success and brought a significant amount of holiday cheer to The Shops at Atlas Park,” said Damon Hemmerdinger, development director for The Shops. “In just one year, Mr. Bemberlinx has already become a cherished and anticipated Atlas Park tradition.”
This year, shoppers will get the chance to choose Mr. Bemberlinx’s first word. On Saturday, October 6, the “First Word” contest will kick off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children between the ages of four and 12. The contest will run until Thursday, November 1.
Every child who attends the “First Word” celebration and enters the contest will receive a free teddy bear and be invited to march in The Shops at Atlas Park’s holiday parade on Saturday, November 10. In addition, families will be invited to take a picture with an inflatable 16-foot birthday cake in honor of Mr. Bemberlinx’s upcoming first birthday.
On Friday, November 2, a panel of judges will select Mr. Bemberlinx’s first word, and the winner will receive a holiday prize package including a $500 gift card to any Atlas Park retailer and a premium seat at The Shops’ Holiday Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, November 10. The winning child will assume the title of Grand Marshall of the Lighting Ceremony and bring Mr. Bemberlinx’s lights to life.
Kids who wish to enter the “First Word” contest should visit The Shops at Atlas Park Hospitality Center, located at 8000 Cooper Avenue, or online at www.theshopsatatlaspark.com starting Saturday, October 6 and ending Thursday, November 1. A full list of contest locations is also available online.