Simply amazing

Who knew that we would make it this far?  Looking back on the previous two years and the work we put into making this run and its legacy, it reminds us of the old ad slogan  "You've come a long way baby."  So many people have been involved since the inception and it goes without saying that each and everyone of them deserves some thanks for all that they have contributed.  It's kinda fun to look back on things and see the progression we've achieved as a weekend 'convention' of sorts.  From the humble beginning where we wished for maybe 20 guys who would like to get together, to this year's record breaking registrant numbers (120+), it just keeps getting better.

Preparing for the 3rd Round

As soon as last year's second incarnation finished, Gary, the run coordinator, had the wheels turning on how to make things easier and increase the 'fun/wow' factor for the folks who said they couldn't wait to return in 2007.  Given the circumstances and experiences from Drenched Fur II, a new approach was applied in taking an established event and 'tweaking' it just a bit.  One major factor in making the run better overall was the feedback survey done at the end of DFII.  A few attendees had indicated that they would come back again, however the water park was not necessarily the thing they wanted to do again.  Understandably, two years in a row can become old hat and that's where a new activity function was born.  Not only that, but holding events beyond the usual bar night socials was proving challenging for providing a meal, setting up entertainment and staying power.  This factor alone became the beginning of a new phase for the run activities.

Wineries and a New Venue

Being in the Great Lakes Region, the committee set their sights on adding an optional day trip activity that encompassed the local feel for things unique to the area.  Given the tourism focuses, the committee selected the alternate day trip option to head out over to the Northeast, PA and Western, NY border areas for a winery tour.  In fact more than one winery stop would be provided and perhaps a lunch option of some sort thrown in as well.  As for the evening's festivities, the committee optioned the idea of housing all things inside the host hotel facility.  After last year's successful move to The Avalon Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Erie, the committee agreed to return for DFIII.  Given the size and focus of the expected numbers, the committee agreed upon a smaller ballroom for use and incorporating the food and beverage catering provided for the hotel's kitchen to enhance the dinner experience.  The only thing left to tackle for Saturday night would be entertainment and music.

Lining up the next DF Stars

Searching the internet, Gary came upon a website of out gay comedians and cross checked to determine if any were currently affiliated with the bear community.  He hit pay dirt when he came across the name of one particular person residing in Los Angeles, California - Bobaloo.  Luckily, Bobaloo maintains his own website at www.bobaloorox.com [1] which allowed Gary to learn more about the man, his routine and style.  In December of 2006, Gary and Bobaloo e-mailed back and forth about details, ideas, costs and various items.  With the decision made to bring in a comedian, now it was onto who would provide the jams.  The committee agreed to offer a bid process since a handful of DJs after the end of DFII stated they would like to spin for the next bear run.  After several weeks of admissions, samples and debate, a final decision was made.  DJBC (aka DJ BearCub) was selected as the DJ for hire to play on Saturday night at the Black 'n Blue Dance.  More information on DJBC can be found at www.showyour.net/~shelbycub [2].

Oh the meetings

As of the beginning of a new year, the committee reconvened to hammer out the details for DFIII.  Meeting every few weeks, ideas were thrown about and all sorts of matters discussed regarding promotion, volunteering, funds, and options to consider.  Thankfully, the host hotel supported the committee with providing a meeting space in preparation to the run weekend.   

The charity of choice

One of the newer items the committee discussed was the addition of a charitable fundraiser.  The charity recipient however had not been determined far in advance.  In trying to provide something different, the committee looked into supporting something different and possibly new in comparison to other bear run charities; those being HIV/AIDS awareness/hospices, homeless shelters and GLBT community centers.  The idea for the charity concept for Drenched Fur occurred to Gary one day while sitting at home going over various run details.  On October 24th, 2006, the local bear community in the Great Lakes Region lost a shining star within its ranks.  Samuel 'Sammy' Schwartz had passed unexpectedly.  His bear brethren in ARKTOS and beyond were shocked and saddened at the news.  In reflecting on the things Sammy gave to others in his charm, fun personality and life in general, Gary remembered that he had taught at a vocational school.  Sammy had been their Culinary Arts Instructor for several years and was greatly missed by the students and staff.  With this in mind, the committee contacted Sammy's partner, Elijah Black - DFII's entertainer, to receiving his blessing for raising money in Sammy's name.  The decision was made to create a memorial scholarship fund for the students at the Buckeye Career Center who were choosing to pursue the occupational field of culinary arts.  Elijah was very moved and agreed that this is a great way to remember Sammy and for a legacy to carry on in his name.

Transportation challenges

With just a few weeks prior to the run, the original contracted charter bus company from DFII had not sent a quote or agreement for DFIII.  Gary decided to start looking into alternate options in the event that something did not work out.  As it so happens, the quote for pricing came in at double the budgeted cost with only a week and half to go before the run.  Utilizing the available resources, a decision was made to switch gears and find a new transportation provider.  The newer option that proved the most efficient, cost effective and useful would be of al things, school buses.  Given the timeframes for transportation resulting in merely shuttling folks around the city, extra amenities provided in the past would not be necessary.  The move to the newer transportation mode worked well for the weekend.

Where are the freaking towels?

With just hours until the run was to begin, the Wednesday prior to the weekend, the ordered beach towels had not arrived nor any delivery information.  After contacting the manufacturing company, it was discovered that the shipment was not expected to arrive until after the run!  Incredibly displeased with this news, phone calls and e-mails took place in an attempt to help speed up the delivery process.  The towels were moved up in shipment and slated to arrive on Friday, when registration begins.  

Bears Bar Crawling

Friday arrived and along with it, the DFIII run attendees.  After check-in, the Greet 'n Grope social kicked off at 7pm.  In addition to the social was a new option for vendors to sell their products and services to the attendees.  Joining the Drenched Fur family was BearStop.com, Bobaloo, DJBC, Oil City Movie Stop and the ErieBookMan.  With everyone in good spirits, the shuttle bus arrived and the fun continued as the attendees traveled to both Trance Dance Club and The Zone Dance Club that Friday night.  At Trance Dance Club, the attendees were greeted by non other than Goldilocks her one of the three bears - perhaps the naughty one?  Over at The Zone Dance Club, contestants galore tried for various prizes after competing in Bears Gone Wild antics.  After the bar crawl, the guys returned to the host hotel to enjoy the AfterHours1 party.  To add a little fun to thing, the AfterHours1 party was themed 'Bear Beachwear' for folks to enjoy wearing their swimsuits and beach attire.

Winery Tour and Splash Lagoon

Following the continental breakfast in the hospitality room on Saturday morning, the run attendees headed off in different directions aboard the shuttle buses for either wine country or the waterpark resort.  The winery was a stomping success with many positive comments coming back after the tour had finished that day.  Each tour attendee also received an etched wine glass with the DFIII logo on it as their souvenir.  The afternoon at Splash Lagoon was another splashing success as well.  This year the addition of a private party room, adjoined to Boston's Pizza, was a huge hit.  Here the 80+ guys could relax, enjoy some items from the Laguna Grill, change clothes and leave their personal items behind with a committee member to watch over things.  Yet again, the big furry boys took over the adult hot tub and got in many stares at the 'daddy' eye candy throughout the water park. 

Cocktails mix with Beards and Bellies

After returning to the host hotel, it was time to get ready for the evening's festivities in Niagara Ballroom.  The crowd enjoyed the leisurely pace of mingling and finding seats as they enjoyed drinks and light appetizer items.  After the cocktail hour, guests were able to enjoy the full spread dinner buffet service.  Items on the buffet included three choices of each salads, entrees, sides and dessert.  The buffet was a huge improvement from the previous options in past years and very much appreciated by the attendees.   

Bobaloo hits the stage & DJ BearCub gets a groove on

After dinner service was finished, it was time to sit back and enjoy the comedic style of Bobaloo.  The crowd enjoyed his light hearted sensibility and lifestyle observations regarding being a celebrity whore, rock 'n roll junkie and all around good guy.  Bobaloo even enjoyed an impromptu score keeping game during the performance as folks from the crowd 'gave feedback' that night.  After Bobaloo finished, it was on to the nightlife part of the run.  DJBC got things kickin' with groovin beats based on the feedback provided during registration.  One enhancement this year was that on-line registrants were able to suggest the musical tastes they had and would appreciate hearing at the DJ'd dance during the run.  This was helpful to insure that those folks attending the party heard what they wanted and the music was a success.  As the dance wound down, the crowd headed upstairs to get things moving for the AfterHours2 party which was themed 'PJs and BJs' (standing for Pajamas and BearJams).  The party was a success and even busier than the previous night with more folks, food and fun had by all who attended.   

Breakfast for Charity

On Sunday morning, it was blurry eyes, fuzzy vision and cubs a'stumbling downstairs to enjoy the breakfast buffet prior to leaving for the weekend.  As an addition to the run, during the breakfast buffet, the committee held the Silent Auction of donated items to help raise money for the Sam Schwartz Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Private donations and auction purchases for this first time event collected and amazing $712!  The DFIII committee will work after the run to determine how the scholarship fund will be setup with the Buckeye Career Center Foundation.  Thanks to the men who helped contribute to this charitable ideal.    

And then it's done

And before we knew it, the weekend was over.  And what about those beach towels?  Oh yeah.  They arrived on Monday; one day after the run was over.  There were complications with the shipment and production on the manufacturer's end and consequently created the inconvenience of not having the towels for the Splash participants.  However, the committee worked hard afterwards to ship and hand deliver the towels as promised for those that had attended the run.  Feedback from DFIII was extremely helpful in receiving overwhelming positive support for a job well done.  Much thanks was due in part to our new sponsor company and bearchat site BearCiti.com.  They provided the name badge cards and on-line survey feedback ability to help keep things running smoothly for the committee.  It goes without saying that so many folks should be thanked for their contributions.  Best of all, we're looking forward to making it great - in 2008!  So we'll see you at Drenched Fur IV for the best bear bash on the great lakes!