All the animals, from the very big bear down to the little squirrel, ever since the day for the sports had been set, had looked forward to it, with eager anticipation and joy, and had worked busily, getting things in readiness, for much was accomplished before the eventful day arrived.
First, there had to be a space cleared for the spectators, with a special tract set aside for the king and his friends; then the making of a fine slide for the tobogganers, and the marking of the bounds for the foot races. Moreover, each family provided a full lunch basket, so the mothers and daughters were also busy planning what they should cook.