BEAR ALL '99

The Southern Bears again celebrated Independence Day weekend with Bear All, their annual bear run in Atlanta. Known for being one of the friendliest and most relaxed runs, Bear All '99 was no exception. Perfect weather and a beautiful city to explore contributed to a great, fur-filled weekend. The host hotel for Bear All '99 was the Westin Peachtree Plaza, at 73 stories, the tallest hotel in North America. Planet Hollywood, the Hard Rock Cafe, the House of Blues and Centennial Olympic Park, among other attractions, are a short walk away. Atlanta's gay section is a short drive north. After a speedy hotel check-in, the next stop at Bear All is registration, in the 69th floor hospitality suite. The usual run badge, shirt, book, condoms and lube came accompanied by the Bear Jack Radcliffe calendar. Who cares if the year is half over, January through June are worth revisiting. The hospitality suite was open much of the time there was nothing else going on, and had free beer and soft drinks, and a great view. The first scheduled activity Friday night was a Welcome Toga Party at the Atlanta Eagle. There are no pictures from events at the Eagle (to protect the innocent) but the Mr. Bear All contestants pictured below show the variety of togas. Mr. Bear All contestants in their togas Daytime Saturday is pretty much on your own, to explore, socialize, spend money at the vendor fair, or just sleep. The evening began with a cocktail party and delicious buffet at the Peachtree Plaza, followed by the Mr. Bear All contest. Contestants "Bare as you Dare", ready to sell raffle tickets. The eventual winner is third from the right. TOP

Contestants appeared in their togas, in barwear, and "Bare as you Dare." Funny, some of the barwear was barer than the "Bare-wear." Then the contestants had fifteen minutes (still Bare as they Dared) to sell the most raffle tickets (the tie-breaker in the contest). The contest ended about Midnight, and most bears headed off for a nap before the 3:00-6:00 AM Bear Hug Party at the Eagle, after it closed to the public. Beach ball volleyball in the pool Noon Sunday came all too fast, and with it a private pool party and lunch at the hotel pool. Beach ball volleyball (with no particular rules and no scoring) was the order of the day. By 3:00 PM, the crystal clear pool had turned murkey, and the bears were pruned and waterlogged (and well-fed).. Bears line up for barbeque and fixin's On Sunday evening, as thousands of people filled Centennial Olympic Park for the fireworks display, the Bear All bears assembled on the observation floor at the top of the Peachtree Plaza, for a unique view of the fireworks, from above. Later that night, Bear All came to an end at an underwear party at the Eagle. Thanks to sponsors American Bear, Bear, Coors Light, Etc, Foreskins Leather, the Atlanta Eagle, and the Southern Bears for a fantastic Fourth. Bears (and a few brave civilians) crowd the observation floor at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza for a spectacular view of the fireworks at Centennial Olympic Park dwc

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