Final IBR Scheduled for 2011
Posted on: 2010-12-01 21:00:15
If you've ever wanted to attend the infamous I.B.R., but always said to yourself: "oh... I'll go next year"... well, you don't get anymore chances because this is going to be the final year for International Bear Rendezvous. So if you ever wanted to attend, I don't have to stress that this is the one to go to.
Now I've been following Bear news for several years and I remember reading news about I.B.R. for the 1st time, and it was right after the one in 2004 (I was in high school). I was always broke for many reasons, most self-inflicted, so there was no possible way for me to go out there. I lived in a podunk town with basically a bunch of "straight" redneck bears that would never dare let me around them, much less take me across the country to a giant gay event. Yet every year I dreamt of making it out there, and now... this is going to be their last one and even though a lot has changed, I still won't be able to make it unless some crazy miracle happens. I feel sad.
(From The Complete Bear): "Due to the persistent economic downturn and the ever-increasing cost of producing an event the size of International Bear Rendezvous, the Board of Directors of the Bears of San Francisco has made the difficult decision that the upcoming IBR 17 - 'Close Encounters of the Bear Kind', will be the last International Bear Rendezvous. IBR 17 will take place over Presidents Day Weekend, February 17th-21st, 2011 at the Parc 55 Wyndham Hotel in San Francisco.
Since this will be the final Rendezvous, we are going all out: there will be four hosted dances at the host hotel, free beer at selected events for those staying at the hotel, and free beverages in the Bear Den/Hospitality Suite for all registered attendees. Saturday’s Club Day, at which clubs from around the world can promote their clubs and events, is followed by the President’s Reception with Bloody Marys and Mimosas. An excellent buffet dinner and the 20th and final International Bear Competition, followed by the weekend’s fourth dance party, will round out IBR on Sunday, February 20th.
The deadline for 'Early Bear' registration has been extended from December 1st to December 15th, 2010. The decision to end International Bear Rendezvous will not affect BOSF’s regular schedule of monthly fundraisers and other activities. The board is committed to the same 4-F’s that have been the hallmark of BOSF’s entire 17-year history: Fun, Fur, Fellowship, and Fundraising".
UGH.
~Ryan
Bearcubhouse.com
