This year marked the second Teddy Bear Picnic & PJ Party in Edmonton, held on November 24th. Originally done as a fundraiser for the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose (ISCWR), it was assumed that this would be only a one-time event. It was so well received, however, that it was quickly decided that the Teddy Bear Picnic should and would continue, and so with the support of the Roost and the wonderful turn out to the original PJ Party, the Court decided to take it on again. This year they wanted to do something a bit different, however. As stated before, this was meant to be a Court Fundraiser, but they felt that if it were to become an annual event, the funds should be going directly to a charity…or more than one charity if at all possible. This year the lucky charity chosen was none other than Edmonton’s own youth leadership camp, Camp fYrefly! A portion of the proceeds will also go to buying toys for children whose families cannot always provide them with the ideal Christmas.
The money is raised in several ways, but first, you must remember the dress code; it’s not called a PJ party for nothing, and you are asked to attend wearing your snuggly bed wear. Of course not everyone has bed wear they can take out and about, but the participants were eager to join the festivities and many reported going out of their way to buy PJ’s just so the event was more authentic.
Once you had on your outfit and you were inside the club, you had a few activities to choose from. They had a specialty shooter (this year’s was called the “Teddy Bear’s Wet Dream”), a Teddy Bear Sale and a “Guess how many” jar of Gummy Bears. The entertainment was, of course, provided by the Court.
The genius behind the entire event is Lloyd Blue, former emperor of the ISCWR. It wasn’t even his idea to run it again, but the community asked him to and he says that the support from the community and the continued support from the Court have been his driving force. The Court has been very generous to him, both with volunteering and organization, and he is happy to call Edmonton home because of it. “…This event is just one way I hope to continue showing the city that we are a strong vibrant community that can make a difference when we work together.” His continued hope is that the event will grow and grow, allowing them to provide for more charities and organizations. The idea of it becoming annual appeals to him, especially as it was his idea initially, and this just shows him it truly was a good one.
This year it was a success, and with any luck the Roost will continue to provide the venue as long as Lloyd and the lovely ladies (and gentlemen) of the ISCWR continue to provide the passion. Of course we all know if you have ever met a Drag Queen, passion is never something in short supply.
The Teddy Bear Picnic
www.gayedmonton.org
