There is something to be said in a world where an expanding city cannot see the virtue in providing basic needs such as shelter and food to those suffering from HIV/AIDS . Once again Artists for Quality of life, a small non–profit group, is taking a proactive step to boost the spirits and brighten the everyday life of these individuals.
This year’s 11th annual Bear Bash event, running September 28th to 30th, marks a number of exciting changes. For the past several years it has been held in the Montgomery Community Centre, however with the support of The Calgary Eagle, Bear Bash will have a new venue this year!
“We are a Non-profit organization and Bear Bash is usually our major fundraiser. We like to give to worthwhile causes and support the Gay community,” treasurer Gerry Desautels told us. “The last couple of Bear Bash events have not been very well supported, and we lost money. This year we decided to tone down the Bear Bash to reduce our costs and hopefully make it a success. The Eagle, as always, has been very supportive and helpful. We are a very small group, around 15 to 20 members, and it really stretches our time and resources to but on a big community event.”
Once again, Bearbash will be a weekend event. Past years have featured Teddy Bear Picnics and car rallies, but this year’s event kicks off Friday the 28th with the Bearbash dinner at Money Pennies. Saturday Night is the big event itself, and return to the Eagle on Sunday for some of Momma G’s home cooking at the survivor brunch.
“Bears Love to eat and this is two opportunities to get together with other Bears and enjoy good food. Our out of town guests enjoy these events as it gives them an opportunity to meet members and friends in a relaxed way. The Survivor Brunch at the Eagle is great - Momma G puts on a fabulous spread, and fun-loving Bears get an opportunity to hang out [with] new and old out of town friends.”
The annual Mr. Bear Calgary event takes place at Bearbash on Saturday September 29th. Contestants participate in a series of challenges before the audience votes to crown the winner. There is still time to sign up if you want to compete.
“We are always in need of contestants, and we’re often looking till the very last moment to find someone to run. I guess people are a little shy. The people in attendance are the ones who pick the winners. We give everyone a voting chip when they arrive and after the contest, they vote for the contestant they’d like to see be Mr. Bear Calgary,” explained Desautels. “The contest is usually 3 short events, which could be anything from Bare what you Dare, tell us about your best fantasies, or maybe see who can be first to put on a frozen wet T-shirt. It’s usually good for a few laughs, but mostly the contestants just mill about, get to know people, get groped and likely get in a few of their own gropes.”
One of the cool things about bear events in general is that they are very laid back, making them very comfortable. My boyfriend and I attended a bear event in Vancouver on Pride weekend and had a great time; gone was the pretense and attitude that can permeate a gay event, and instead it is just about a bunch of big guys hanging out and having a good time. Even if you do not fit into the bear or cub mould, you can still feel accepted and enjoy yourself. This is the same premise behind Calgary’s Bearbash.
“We try to keep our event unique. In the past we’ve encouraged people to remove their shirts by having a Best Hairy Chest contest that everyone in the crowd can participate in. Often, once they get the shirt off, it stays off. It’s great to have a room full of half naked HOT Bears.” Indeed, GayCalgary’s own Steve Polyak was last year’s winner.
We asked Desautels to summarize what makes Bearbash an event that people should not miss. He simply replied, “Come and meet a bunch of friendly bears - the people who have come out and have attended in past years always have a great time. We hope the community will support us.”
As the biggest bear event in Calgary, you do not want to miss out on this woofish opportunity to meet new friends, check out guys, and have fun the way only bears know how.

Bearbash Dinner
September 28th, 2007 @ 7:00pm
Money Pennies

BEARBASH 2007
September 29th, 2007
The Calgary Eagle

Bearbash Survivor Brunch
September 30th, 2007
The Calgary Eagle

www.rockymountainbears.com