What is soft, green and “bears” a special four-leaf clover on its chest? The answer is Clarion, …

By News Dept.

What is soft, green and “bears” a special four-leaf clover on its chest? The answer is Clarion, a limited-edition 4-H bean bear arriving soon at the 1999 Iowa State Fair. What makes this beanie different from all the rest is its Iowa namesake, the town of Clarion, the official birthplace of the national 4-H emblem.

“We wanted to come up with a fundraising idea that would help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, said Albert Grunenwald, foundation associate director. “Beanie bears are still popular, and the money we raise will directly benefit young people through the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program.”

The Iowa 4-H bear sells for $10 and comes with a name card and number. Only 1,000 Clarion bears will be manufactured. If the bear campaign is successful, a new beanie will be introduced next year. Clarion goes on sale to the public at 9 a.m. on August 12 in the 4-H Exhibit Building on the Iowa State fairgrounds, Des Moines.

The Clarion bear was developed by Glory Be (TM) Collectibles of Fallbrook, California, and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.