International Bear rendezvous 2008

San Francisco

Well, another IBR has come and gone.  The bears came, they played, they shopped the Vendor Maul and Kathy Griffin made us laugh.

IBR Patrol videos  ...   Cub Grizzly Daddy Bear

Where to begin?  First and foremost, a big ole bear hug to Rich, Jim, Cody, Chuck, Mark, Pookie and all the wonderful BOSF Bears who worked day and night to make sure we all had a great time.  Only 363 days until the next one.

IBR (or any bear run for that matter) is about connecting with friends and meeting a few folks that we only know from long distance chatter to finally put a face to the screen name.  Despite chatting and working with a lot of folks in the bear community, sometimes it’s only online or on phone.  This weekend, I had a chance to finally meet Nard of Bearpodcast, Joey Manetti, Brent Marr of Brent Marr Art, Ron Brundige – Mr San Diego Bear and many more.

It’s also a chance to catch up with friends.  NoelBear has a new video on YouTube.  Harry of Castro Bear Presents and Sweat was working hard for a merit badge, or was he just working a Boy Scout or two?  There was Bingo with the Sisters, naughtiness at Bears, Bath & Beyond.  And I think they threw in a little contest thingy (more on that later).

And then there was Ms. Griffin.  She toured the Vendor Maul with a complete entourage.  Jessica, Tiffany and Tom were in tow.  Tom was a little disappointed he not was sufficiently lusted after.  “Sorry Tom, there were a lot of hot furry men in SF this weekend that sort of had us distracted . . .”    Kathy left the Maul with plenty of Bear Porn and lube.

As the limo rolled up to the Castro Theatre – the line was around the block, down the alley all the way up to Starbears – this was a sold out show.  We were treated to a video montage of Kathy’s career – who knew?  She took the stage and the bears couldn’t have been happier.  And she worked it.  She even managed to squeeze Celine and Liza into act.  She was pulling out the big ole furry gay cards!!

So a bunch bears came together, had a party, took in a show, ate Dim Sum and came together as one.   Pretty cool, eh?  Check out the IBR Photo Gallery by Darwin Bebo, the Official Photographer for IBR 2008.