|
Meteorologists may have thought it was the jet stream that diverted Hurricane Irene
from its path up the center of Florida east to the Atlantic, but those of us who were in
Orlando know different... it was the sheer will of 1000 bears that sent Irene packing.
So, Irene did little to spoil Bear Bust '99, sponsored by the
Bears of Central Florida, October 14-18.
|
A welcome from the host hotel
The host hotel was again the sleazy but ever so accomodating Howard Johnson (the only week of the year the
prostitutes and drug dealers clear out), a short walk from the host bar, the
Full Moon Saloon.
In addition to filling the HoJo, bears filled both overflow hotels for the first time this year (hint: make
your plans early for Bear Bust 2000).
|
The busy bears at registration
Bears started arriving a week in advance to take in the sun and other
Orlando attractions, before the serious partying began. Civilians had pretty much cleared out by Wednesday,
October 13, as Registration opened.
|
Hundreds of stuffed bears for kids
The theme this year was military, and
the run package included a Bear Bust hat, tshirt, tattoo, pin and mini-duffel bag, a camo water bottle; and a tshirt and 8" toy (use your imagination) from
Bear Depot.
Bears were asked to donate a stuffed bear for children.
|
Lynn Ludwig snaps a pair of bears at Islands of Adventure
Official festivities started Thursday with Reveille (breakfast) and an optional trip to Universal's new
Islands of Adventure
theme park, which for many of the bears meant roller coasters and get-soaked rides. Irene provided an overcast sky,
which helped keep the crowds down.
The evening featured the "Bear Maneuvers" cookout at Club Orlando, but many bears opted to just hang out at
|
"Where did he find see-thru camoflage shorts?"
the HoJo pool (or Hot Tub), grab something to eat, and head over to the Full Moon.
|
Hanging out at the HoJo pool
|
More hanging out at the pool
This was followed by the "Basic Training" after-hours party, sponsored by the
Jacksonville Regional Bear Association. Some Irene rain about 2:00 a.m. seemed to hasten the move from poolside to
indoor activities.
|
Signing in for the Online Party
Friday began with Reveille, followed by Club Day at the Full Moon, and the "Male Call" Online Party,
sponsored by TopBear magazine.
|
You've got mail!
|
Mingling at the Online Party
The evening featured the "NCO Welcoming Party," sponsored by BEAR magazine, and the
"Night Maneuvers" after-hours party, sponsored by
Bear Depot.
[TOP]
|
|
|
The contestants in their skivvies
Saturday kicked off (for those who could get up that early) with Reveille, then the Vendor Fair, moved under the
dining tent to avoid the rain. Vendors reported a brisk business. Next came the first phase of the Bear Bust Contest, the
"Skivvies Inspection," with Comedian Danny Williams interviewing the scantily clad
(and chilly) contestants.
|
Entryway to the banquet
The Saturday afternoon pool games were postponed to Sunday, when the weather was predicted to be much better.
The Dining In Canvas Kitchen Banquet Dinner, sponsored by
American Bear magazine,
|
...And I thought I was the only one to buy a Pooh "Bears" baseball jersey
|
Danny with cub contestant Tony
began the evening's events, followed by the Bear Bust Contest, in a light drizzle. MC Danny Williams seemed kinder and gentler to
the contestants than in previous years, but was every bit as funny.
|
"Mack" displays the merchandise
Immediately after the contest, BEAR celebrity "Mack" auctioned off (literally) his jock
for charity. The evening continued with the "Officers Ball" dance and then
the "AWOL" after-hours party, sponsored by the
Great Lakes Bears.
|
The Brunch Buffet
Sunday started with Bear Brunch at the Full Moon, and the Vendor Fair and Awards Ceremony,
in welcome sunshine.
|
One of many busy vendors
|
Winners and their loot
|
The bears that made Bear Bust '99 happen
|
Smorgasbear
A huge crowd then returned to the HoJo for poolside fun in the
sun, and the Pool Games.
|
Banana swallowing contest
|
The pause that refreshes
Bear Bust '99 started to wind down Sunday night with the optional Dinner at Lee's
Lakeside restaurant. Monday morning three boats of bears went on the optional Florida Air Boat
Ride, and then took in the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.
|
A passionate good-bye
After 5 days of Bear Bust, and for some of us, a few prior days of theme parks, it
was time to say our good-byes and head home to rest. Congratulations to the Bears of Central Florida
for another spectacular Bear Bust. To those of you that Irene scared away: you missed
a great party!
dwc
|
