Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 2000 - Held in August at B-bobs, Mobile

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	The Friday night party is a good time to get to know one another better!
	On Saturday before the contest, Jerry & Philip hosted the "Judges Reception".  The Gulf Coast Bears and our resident Chef Rick always have a fantastic spread of food.  For this party, members brought a six-pack of imported beer to share, and we had a festive time meeting the contestants, and preparing the judges for a night of fun.
	It takes a lot of preparation to feed this many hungry bears!
	Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 1999, Kelvin (the Firefighter) gives one of our favorite north Alabama bears a warm reception.
	Preparing questions for the contest to follow.
	After all that food, anyone for desert!
	Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 1999.  KELVIN
	The Gulf Coast Bears PROVE we're well hung.  Our tradition of decorating the bar with Teddy Bears donated by members and friends helps ensure the mood is right.  The Teddy Bears are then donated the following week to a local charity to be given to children in times of crisis.
	The stage for The Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest 2000 was our most elaborate and by far the best ever.  Dar, Raph, Joe and Thunder did an amazing job of turning a nightclub stage into "The Big Bear Garage".  Bumpers suspended from the ceiling, tires, nude calendar, and the obligatory can of Crisco complete transformed the place.
	Add in a few HUNKS for mechanics, and "The Big Bear Garage" was OPEN for business!
	Lube job anyone?
	Waiting for the contest to start, bears find ways to entertain themselves.
	MeeMaw has become a crowd favorite as she tempts, encourages, ok - she FORCES them to sit on her lap and share some intimate thoughts.  It's only one part of the nights festivities, but for the 2000 Contest, it was a riot!
	Kelvin shows the trophy that was part of the winners package for becoming Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 2000.
	One of the contests working the crowd.  The contestants sold raffle tickets for bonus points.  A good way to meet and greet the patrons and fans.
	MeeMaw lickin' her chomps to get hold of this one!
	Those tricky tires, a few drinks, some sweaty contestants, and MeeMaw is on the floor!
	Poor MeeMaws lap.  She LOVED every minute of it.
	The crowd got all worked up looking at all those furry men.
	The tension rose awaiting the judges ruling.
	Bob from Tampa takes the prize as Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 2000.
	Three Mr. GCB's.  From left to right, Bob (2000), Kelvin (1999) and Austin (1997).
	Bob worked up quite an appetite from winning.  Looks like a tasty morsel.