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Bears in The Keys isn't a traditional Bear Run. No interminable contest programs, no comedians trying to
embarass the contestants, no vendors, no charities, no overpriced rooms, no homophobic hotel staff. No clothes, if you like. And in this case, less is
definitely more.
The all-inclusive run fee covers 3 nights in the hotel, a banquet on Saturday night, various parties, three
breakfasts, and a goodie bag that must be seen to be believed...
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The goodie bag
BITK logo tshirt (tank top optional), coffee mug, fan, can koozie, Post It notes,
bear tag, water bottle, small towel, key chain, ball cap, luggage tag, beach ball,
door hanger, pen, sunglasses, waterproof container, and Gummy Bears,
in addition to the usual run book, run pin, lube, condoms and BEAR magazine... all in a nifty tote bag.
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'Southernmost Bear' ballot
BITK doesn't have a traditional 'contest', instead giving each registrant cards for 'Southernmost
Cub', 'Southernmost Grizzly', and 'Southernmost Daddy', to be given to whoever they think
most deserves (or earns) it.
The sixth Bears in The Keys was held August 4-7 at the Atlantic Shores Resort in Key West, Florida.
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Tonnie and Frank
Originally started by a south Florida club, Bears in The Keys is now essentially a private party lovingly planned by two bears
from Mobile, Alabama -- Frank and Tonnie, who contribute a great deal of time and money to insure it
is the premiere event of its kind. Limited to
134 participants, this southernmost run in the US packs the most fun, food, fur and frolic per day and dollar
of any bear event. It sold out three months in advance this year.
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Arrival gate at Key West International
A Bears in The Keys 6 banner greets arriving passengers at the 'Key
West International Airport'. Several bears arrived a day or two early, to enjoy the Key West weather and attractions.
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Entrance to the Atlantic Shores Resort
The Atlantic Shores Resort is a short cab ride from the airport, on the south side of the island, not far from Duval Street. It has comfortable art deco motif rooms, a clothing optional
pool and pier with bar and snack bar, and the 'Diner Shores' restaurant for breakfast and drinks at night.
The staff really seems to welcome the bears and enjoy having them around.
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Atlantic Shores staff sets out quite a spread
The official Friday festivities began with a welcome party at the 'Shores, with beer and heavy munchies, followed
by a shuttle ride to the Number One Saloon at the back of the 801 Bar for more beer, and pizza.
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Bears line up for food
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Sunset at the welcome party
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Bears huddle in the pool
The "get really acquainted" private after-hours
party started at midnight back at the hotel clothing optional pool...
with more beer and food.
The pool was a little chilly, which encouraged the naked bears to huddle closer (like, they needed encouragement).
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A hearty bear breakfast
Saturday started with the included breakfast at Diner Shores (get it?), a popular breakfast spot
in Key West.
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The sights at the pool
Many bears then went off on an optional moped tour of the
island, while others chose to lounge around the pool and enjoy the sights.
A constant off-shore breeze blows across the pool, making it extremely comfortable for unclothed
ursines, no matter how hot the temperature.
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More sights at the pool
In the afternoon, bears returned to the pool for a little naked frolicing,
before getting ready for the cocktail party and banquet at the
Wyndham Reach Resort next door.
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Conch fritters!
The cocktail party featured some incredible munchies (some of us had been waiting a year for more
conch fritters...),
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Good eats
and the banquet had a choice of fish, chicken or prime rib, and more forks and
knives than a bear has paws.
The party then moved to La Te Da, for more
beer and food,
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Ernie's first CD
and a fine performance by bear recording artist (and major woof) Ernie Lijoi.
This was followed by another after-hours pool party, with more food, beer and naked bearplay.
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The pool bar
A storm blew through about 8:30 Sunday morning. The lightning and rain stopped, but the day
never quite got past gray.
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Bartenders had a good time, too
This didn't inhibit
another great breakfast, boat or snorkel
excursions, shopping on Duval street, or hanging out at the pool bar.
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Barbeque chicken and ribs and fixin's
In the evening, bears were
treated to a Bear-b-cue, followed by announcement of the contest winners,
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"Southernmost Grizzly" struts his stuff
and the Atlantic Shores' weekly Tea Dance.
About 10:30 p.m. a really nasty storm developed, and the bears remaining at the dance left for drier
indoor activities.
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Multi-raffle prize winner makes a fashion statement
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Plenty of food at the after-hours parties
By midnight, the rain had stopped, and the after-hours pool party went on as planned, with only a few
adventurous bears actually going in the pool, the rest talking and eating.
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Monday breakfast at Diner Shores
Monday morning, and the end of Bears in The Keys 6, came all too soon. Yet another great breakfast, and
time to pack (amazing how much you pack when you don't expect to wear anything), hug a few bears goodbye, and head for the airport.
Thanks to Frank and Tonnie and the staff at the Atlantic Shores for one of the world's great
bear parties. I can't wait for Bears in The Keys 7!
dwc
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