Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest 1997

The weekend of fun actually started Friday the 22nd with our pre-contest warm up party. Members and friends of the club brought Teddy Bears and helped decorate the bar. The night was very festive and really set the mood for a great contest Saturday night.

The contest was great fun and an even bigger success than last year. We had a very large and enthusiastic crowd. The bar was packed with studly bears and admirers from all around the region. The contest consisted of three main portions - Bear image, Swim Suit, and JockStrap. There were also special bonus sections to the contest to allow contestants to show their wit and other skills in front of the audience. These special bonus sections made the contest even more fun than last year.

In all, we raised $684 for Mobile AIDS Services and Support! We put in the take from the door and B-Bob's matched that amount. Near the end of the evening, our club President and the Owner of B-Bob's presented two checks to a representative from MASS. We are glad that we are able to make this contribution and want to say "Thanks" to all who showed up to particpate and give their $ at the door!

	In this shot, we see (from left to right) contestant #2, #1, and #7 relaxing and getting to know each other before the contest begins. One of the best things about the contest is how we all worked together to have fun and in the end, all got to be much better friends!
	Here contestants #3 and #4 get closer!

	This guy is not only a member, he's also the "first-gentleman", otherwise known to all the fellow Gulf Coast Bears as the husband of our President.
	This furry bear is a member of the GCB's. He's all decked out for our Sunday Brunch following Eye-Openers the day after the contest.
	This manly man is from southern Alabama and has been spotted frequently at our bear functions.
	This is another furry bear who has been spotted at lots of our bear functions over the past year. He's not a member yet, but we're working on him :)
	These hunks are from Birmingham. Members of The Steel City Centurions, we've spotted them here a couple of times. They know they are welcome to party with The GCB's ANYTIME!
	Grade A Bear Meat! This stud was visiting for the weekend from Orlando.
	Everybear who's been to Bear Bust knows this pappa bear! He's been a member of The Bears of Central Florida for a long time and he's their webmaster. He photographs nicely don't ya think?
	Can you say F U R !!! This guy looks like he has carpet glued on. He's all real though. Actually, he's the husband of contestant #2 so it's pretty much, look but don't touch anyway.
	Don't know where these guys are from but they look like they are having a good time!!!
	This happy bear was visiting from Birmingham. The GCB's make all the bears happy when they visit the Gulf Coast :)

The Contestants

#1
Contestant #1 is 34 years old. He's from Biloxi Mississippi and is a member of The Gulf Coast Bears. His idea of the perfect bear is: One who isn't afraid of himself or a relationship. One who is at ease with himself in a tuxedo or in cut off shorts. Someone who's comfortable out for a night on the town or an evening at home. In the first photo, you can catch a glimpse of our club "fluffer" in the background with a big smile on his face. Wonder if he's enjoying his job just a little too much! You can get in touch with Contestant #1 at BearCub999@aol.com.
#2
Contestant #2 is from Mobile Alabama. He's a member of the Gulf Coast Bears and he's happily married. This studly man has been a longtime member of the club and has just recently moved back to Mobile. We're glad to have him home!
#3
Contestant #3 is 35 and is from Pensacola Florida. His idea of the perfect bear is "one in his bed!" We all think he's pretty damned near perfect himself!
#4
Contestant #4 is 37 and is from Pensacola Florida. #4 was not a member of the club before the contest started, but he is now! Sorry fella's, he's attached. In the second picture, you can see the fluffer spraying down the contestant with ICE WATER! In the third picture, you can see this big stud holding a large firm zuccini and talking to the audience. You would have to have been there to appreciate this part of the contest - it was great fun! He's also on AOL and you can e-mail him at Bud1959@aol.com.
#5
Contestant #5 is 36 years old. He's from Biloxi Mississippi. His idea of the perfect bear is someone who would never forget those in need. Someone who's heart is as big as his HUG! Sorry guys, he's attached. This hunky man is new to the area and we are counting on seeing more and more of him at our bear club functions.
#6
Contestant #6 is 45 and is from Pensacola Beach. You might know him online as "BchBehr" on AOL. He and his partner share "The Bears Den" and are two great guys! This studly daddy bear is also our club Treasurer! Although the photos didn't turn out good enough to scan and post, you should have seen his "Bear Image" costume! People will talk about it for years to come at all our annual Mr. GCB Contests! #6 helped to make the contest fun and kept things light hearted for everyone.
#7
Contestant #7 is 40 years old. He's a long term member of The Gulf Coast Bears. His idea of the perfect bear is one who is full of wit, hair, love and FUN. Someone's who is loads of FUN! His long time partner was a vocal cheerleader during the entire contest. This hunk of bear meat lives in Pensacola Florida.
#8
Contestant #8 is 26 years old. He lives in Irvington Alabama and is a member of The Gulf Coast Bears. His idea of the perfect bear is someone who's tall, handsome, intelligent and who has some fun no matter what! He's married. As you can see by that third picture, he can be quite a tease when there's a camera around. This photographer tries to hang around a lot with a camera . He can also get e-mail at FurryCub@aol.com.

The Winner!

	Our winner this year was Contestant #4. We'll just call him "A-Bear". In this shot, A-Bear is congratulated by two of our other classy contestants. A-Bear showed a great deal of wit, poise, and studly manliness to take this year's title.
	This is one proud studly bear! A-Bear has only recently moved back to Pensacola and discovered The Gulf Coast Bears at our Pensacola Den. Since then, he's become a good friend and now that he's won this year's contest, he's also a member of the club! He can be reached online at Bud1959@aol.com. Look him up on AOL, send him an IM and congratulate him!
	More congratulations from contestants!
	This shot was taken at the moment they called out the winning contestant's name! A-Bear was genuinely surprised!
	A-Bear is presented with a great Trophy and prize basket. The winner also received a custom made leather belt with "Mr. Gulf Coast Bear '97" studded on it. He received free run packages to Bear Decadence in New Orleans and Bear Bust in Orlando.