Bear Pride 1998
Event Descriptions from the Run Book
Events
Early Bird Party
The first official event of Bear Pride 1998. Held on Chicago's north side at Touché/Numbers (two adjoining bars at 6412 North Clark Street), this Thursday night party provides your first chance to meet old friends and see many new faces at this year's run.
Singles/First Timers Mixer
Come break the ice at the host hotel early Friday evening before the Welcome Party. If this is your first time attending Bear Pride, your first time attending any bear event, or here at Bear Pride by yourself, we encourage you to stop by this party, meet a few new faces, and get acquainted with the members of the Great Lakes Bears-Chicago and Bear Pride 1998.
Welcome Party
Our official Howdy! to the Bear Pride 1998 attendees, Friday's Welcome Party is sponsored by American Bear magazine. This event takes our Under Construction theme to heart, so show off your favorite Tool Time construction outfit and make Al Borland proud.
Vendor Market
The Vendor Market brings together many of the top vendors of bear and gay merchandise for your shopping pleasure. The Vendor Market has greatly expanded hours throughout much of the weekend. Additional Bear Pride 1998 t-shirts, special edition t-shirts, and hats will be sold at the Vendor Market.
Bear Pride 1998 Contest & Dance
Twenty bears will vie for the title of Mr. Bear Pride 1998 at this year's contest and dance sponsored by Bear magazine. Danny Williams will again emcee this year's contest in his own unique and irreverent style. Following the contest, work up a sweat with the more than 1,000 bears, cubs, and their admirers dancing the night away. For those friends not registered for the entire weekend, individual tickets to the Bear Pride 1998 Contest and Dance are available for purchase at the door for $20 per person.
Bear Pride 1998 Picnic
It began with a simple picnic and has remained an integral part of Bear Pride each year. The picnic will again be held rain or shine on Sunday afternoon in Lincoln Park (see your map for location). The lakefront area is usually cooler and windier than the rest of the city (remember last year??), so dress appropriately for the day.
Bear Club Day
Sunday afternoon's Bear Club Day provides the opportunity to pick up information and ask questions of bear clubs and organizations throughout the U.S.
Nutts-to-Butts Party
The climax of the weekend will take place at Fusion (3631 Halsted Street) in Chicago's Boystown area on Sunday evening (and well into early Monday morning). A party to end all parties is planned, including dancing, revelry, and other forms of close contact.
Showtunes Video Party
The final party of Bear Pride 1998 will wrap up at Sidetrack (3349 North Halsted Street) on Monday afternoon. Sing along to your favorite Broadway and movie showtunes and learn all the extra words and actions that the Great Lakes Bears-Chicago have added to each number to make it something truly special.
Optional Weekend Events
Optional Six Flags Great America Trip
Leave the hotel early Friday morning and return in the late afternoon. A fun-filled day of roller coasters, water rides, and musical entertainment awaits this group of bears and cubs. Lunch is included, at which your favorite sites (especially those on two legs) can be compared.
Optional Museum of Contemporary Art Tour
The tour leaves the hotel late Friday morning and returns in the afternoon. The MCA is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611. Enjoy a private tour through an extensive collection of contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, video, and film in Chicago's newest major museum. A private cocktail reception complements your day at the MCA.
Optional Wet and Wild Party
This unique event will unfold at The Unicorn Club (3426 North Halsted Street) on Sunday afternoon. The Unicorn is one of the premiere private men's clubs in the U.S. The club features a spectacular 20-bear whirlpool, wet and dry saunas, multiple showers, cruise maze, and large video lounge. Admission to the party includes transportation to/from the club, a private locker, use of the club's facilities, exclusive Bear Pride 1998 use of the third floor play areas, and munchies. Individual private rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional discounted price.
Optional Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing three-hour cruise aboard The Buccaneer on Sunday evening. The boat's dock is located at the corner of Wacker Drive and Wells Street. Boarding the boat begins at 5:45 p.m. Admission to the cruise includes transportation to/from the dock and a buffet dinner. A cash bar is available on the ship. Entertainment will be provided. Check the weather report for how to dress!
Optional Breakfast at the Mariott
The optional breakfast buffet takes place at the host hotel Monday morning. Share your favorite memories of Bear Pride 1998 and Chicago with your old and new friends before you leave town.
Saturday's Boystown Events
This set of events takes place in the Lakeview area of Chicago (affectionately known as Boystown) Saturday morning and afternoon. Attend as many of these events as you like, as bus transportation will circulate among convenient points throughout the area. Many of the events will ofter a wide variety of munchies to tide you through the day.
Shopping Crawl
The Shopping Crawl kicks off with breakfast specials at Buddies' (3301 North Clark Street). Remember to bring the discount coupons from your registration packet as you order off the extensive menu. After breakfast, hit the pavement and shop like you mean it. Take a break from your shopping extravaganza back at Buddies' with drink specials throughout the day. The Shopping Crawl prize drawing will be held at Buddies' in the late afternoon.
On-line Party
Back by popular demand, one of the weekend's biggest parties is again held at Cell Block (3702 North Halsted Street), Chicago's leather bear bar. Send that special someone you see across the taco bar an e-mail message, or receive one by hearing those exciting three words, You've got mail!
Country & Western Party
Charlie's (3726 North Broadway Street) is the place for all you line dancing, two-stepping bears. Bunkhouse magazine is sponsoring this year's event with shot specials throughout the afternoon. Come on down for a hoe down, learn a dance step or two, and pick out the best looking boots and hats (and the bear in between them) at Charlie's.
Cigar and Bear Bust
The North End (3733 North Halsted Street) is the site for all you bears who appreciate a good smoke. Freud was a bear, dontcha know, and he knew that sometimes a cigar is not a cigar...
Bearbecue Party
Bucks, Bears, Barbecue, and Boxers is the theme of this year's party at Bucks Saloon (3439 North Halsted Street). Be ready to show off those boxers on Bucks' patio with the scent of BBQ in the air.
Poke-a-Bear Sing-a-Long Party
Dandy's (3729 North Halsted Street) is the place for those who enjoy a piano bar atmosphere. Guest singers provide the entertainment throughout the afternoon as you enjoy a unique selection of Polish cuisine. Come poke-a-bear!
Big Bear Daddies Party
Who can't resist a daddy? A bear daddy? A big bear daddy? Big Daddies (2914 North Broadway Street) is the site of this year's newest Boystown event. Come find that daddy of your dreams drinking a special bear shot or standing by the buffet.
Charity Raffle Ticket Sales
Tickets for the Bear Pride 1998 Charity Raffle are sold during each of the Boystown events. Winning numbers are posted on Saturday night at the Mr. Bear Pride 1998 Contest and in the Hospitality Suite. Many of our sponsors and vendors donated a wide variety of prizes. All profits from the raffle are donated to local charities chosen by the Great Lakes Bears-Chicago for their work with the lesbigay community.
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