Celebration, New Bern bear planned to honor Casey Hathaway

NEW BERN, N.C. — A celebration is in the works to recognize the safe and happy ending to the search for Casey Hathaway.

The 3-year-old was found alive after wandering into the woods behind his great grandmother's house on Jan. 22.

[READ MORE: 3-year-old boy to undergo forensic exam week after being found in NC woods]

Channel 9's sister station, WCTI, reported that the celebration will be held on April 6 at 2 p.m. at Creekside Park in Craven County. Preparations are still in the works and the event will include food, music, and entertainment.

A group of searchers who helped look for Casey have also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the celebration and to sponsor a New Bern bear in honor of the boy.

[READ MORE: Mom says 3-year-old found after 2 days missing is doing well]

"We have Tony Tagalari, who's willing to donate her time and efforts towards painting (the bear)," organizer Ina Thomas told WCTI. "She will be coming up with some sketches, along with the parents' input on what they would like. She will present it to us and we will present it to the family."

Thomas said the bear will not be ready in time for the celebration but will be revealed later in the year.

Cox Media Group