It was a long time coming. After years of having nary a bear-related group or event in Edmonton, Daren Kavich (featured on this month’s cover) and Aaron Granley put things into motion to create a night out for furry men of Alberta. In March 2008, the first Beef Bear Bash took place at Boots Bar and Lounge, and it has been smooth sailing ever since.

“We were at Boots complaining how nobody comes out, everyone in Edmonton seems to stay home. Everywhere else in Canada seems to have bear events, including smaller cities, so we decided to have our own,” recalled Granley. “We were totally elated that people showed up, and the feedback we got was so amazing. People were asking why it had taken so long for it to happen. It was a real rush to get something done and out there, and it turned out to be way easier than we expected it to be.”

Without the support of Boots, this event may not have been such a success.

“Boots has been incredibly supportive, they did up all of our posters for us and bring in extra staff on the nights we do it, to support the number of people. They have been great, Ross in particular has been awesome in helping us out.”

What is a bear bash you ask? It’s basically a fun night out with men of similar interests. Some may have misconceptions about the age or appearance of those that attend, but the reality is that the event draws all types - from young hot muscle cubs to older men - just looking to enjoy an evening out at the bar.

“I am 25 and definitely not a bear. Whatever your label is, we are just a bunch of laid back, fun people that are really welcoming to every type. It is just a party where a bunch of guys can get together and hang out and not have to worry about the drama that seems to happen at other night clubs,” Granley explained. “It has a general purpose and gets people who don’t normally come out to the bar. That is [what I hear most] from a lot of people who aren’t interested in going out on a regular Friday or Saturday night. Now that they know there are a group of people who are similar, it makes a better draw for them.”

It also draws from outside of Edmonton. Many from Calgary, Red Deer, and other parts of Alberta will make the trip to Edmonton specifically to include a Beef Bear Bash in their plans.

“I think it is great, it means everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves. We’ve had people from places like Winnipeg or Saskatchewan who have shown up because they were in Edmonton and thought it would be nice to meet people while visiting the province.”

As the weather turns colder, the bears kick it up a notch with their next event on October 4th - a costume and fetish themed evening.

“It will definitely heat things up a bit more than the average party. A little bit of leather, rubber, whatever turns your crank. We are going to stir things up a bit, we are always trying to find something new.”

The success lies in the simplicity of the event, Granley says.

“We are trying to keep things simple. Darren and I have been doing most of the work for it. We have added contests like the hairiest chest and we are looking at doing a best bear ass contest. We are getting sponsorship now with things like free passes to bear websites so we are able to give away neat prizes. We also had interest from people in other places, a Calgary event is on the horizon at some point. We have had interest from Winnipeg and places in Saskatchewan that want to have a beef party as well. The big goal is to get the community in one spot and hopefully things will jump forward from that.”

Although only around for 6 months, the events have been such a success that they have expanded to include a summer barbecue, and plans are in place for other formats.

“We have already done a barbecue that went really well. We are thinking of doing a bear swim the day after an event. That is all in the future as things get bigger. When you get a bunch of hot bears in one place anything could be possible. I just hope people keep coming out and having fun and we get some new blood in, and new events going so we can see each other outside of the bar as well. We are always looking for other people to help us plan events, or if someone has an idea they want to put forward, get in touch with us!”

Beef Bear Bash

Running regularly at Boots

Next event October 4th, 2008

www.bearbeef.org