Harbour City Bears – and so ends Christmas

Well, my friends, that was the festival that was. Fifteen days of fun and frolicking. For those of you who managed to make the full journey you will understand how unsympathetic my feet were on Sunday, March 6.

Bear Essentials 15 could possibly have been the best one we have had so far if sales and support are anything to go by. From yum cha to UnderBear all the highlight events saw the SOLD OUT sign go up long before the events started.

There are numerous people to thank but I don’t think I’d have enough space here to thank everybody so I will mention but a few.

To: Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP for her continuous support, Peter Urmson from New Mardi Gras who made the effort to support our events during his hectic schedule, Sean Ashby and his staff at aussieBum for their sponsorship and the Bear Essential underwear which helped raise thousands of dollars for the Inspire Foundation, the volunteers for being available when we needed them, Pantheon, City of Sydney — especially Pip Ditzell who is always there to help — the interstate and overseas visitors, the HCB committee who work around the clock to make it all happen and as volunteers (remember that next time you want to whinge) and of course … you.

We have a great Bear Club here in Sydney, envied by many. The messages we have received from the overseas visitors have had nothing but praise for the hospitality and friendships they received while in Sydney, so be proud we’ve all done a good job.

So as another gay Christmas (Mardi Gras season) closes, from all of us here on the HCB committee — THANK YOU!

info: Richard Moore is the vice president of Harbour City Bears.