Woolly Bear Contest
T
he Gruber Almanack, LLC. sadly announced on September 21, 2015 that it will be ending its Annual Woolly Bear Contest, a traditional event held in the Mid-Atlantic Region for over 30 years. Gruber Business/Sales Manager, Jerry Spessard, cited a marked decline in the number of entries and an overall lack of interest as the main reasons for this decision. The contest was discontinued several years ago for similar reasons but due to a huge public outcry and with a generous offer from Sonic Drive-In of Hagerstown to help continue the contest, it was revived.
With Sonic’s support, which included a publicity campaign, designating its Dual Highway location as ‘Woolly Bear Headquarters’, and helping to manage entries for judging, the contest enjoyed an increase in participation. However, the number of last year’s entries was so dramatically less than the prior year, it was decided that the contest had finally run its course, having lost its appeal and relevance.
With Sonic’s support, which included a publicity campaign, designating its Dual Highway location as ‘Woolly Bear Headquarters’, and helping to manage entries for judging, the contest enjoyed an increase in participation. However, the number of last year’s entries was so dramatically less than the prior year, it was decided that the contest had finally run its course, having lost its appeal and relevance.
The Almanack wishes to thank everyone, both young and old who had participated in this once highly-anticipated event in the past and apologizes to those who intended to participate this year and in the future.
