Drenched Fur Makes Another Splash in Erie

from Gary Snyder

The first weekend in April was incredible fun for over 200 men from around the tri-state area and as far away as Florida, Arkansas and Virginia that came together for the fifth installment of Erie's Bear Weekend called Drenched Fur. The bear community has been growing ever since it began in the 1980s and Erie, PA has helped create a place for men that appreciate themselves and each other. One of the things that has helped make Erie a destination for the bear community is the highlight of having an exclusive private event at Splash Lagoon, our local indoor water park resort. In addition to enjoying the fun wet times, the weekend included several social events at the host hotel as well as a bar crawl to Craze and The Zone. Another main event that the guys came together for was a banquet dinner on Saturday night after choosing to spend the afternoon on a winery tour, playing slots at Presque Isle Downs and Casino or seeing the sites around Erie. The Drenched Fur 5 Committee worked hard to bring together one of the biggest events for the GLBT community and thanks all the individuals and businesses that helped make this year a success. To find out more about Drenched Fur, you can visit our website to review photos from over the years as well as reading the history of what has happened thus far. And don't miss out on next years' installment of DF6 being held April 9th – 11th 2010. We'll see you there! www.drenchedfur.com

About the Author

Gary Snyder Gary Snyder (He/Him), has been involved with Erie Gay News submitting articles since 2005 and coordinating the Annual Pride Picnic kitchen in 2008. He currently serves as an Advisory Board member of the NWPA Pride Alliance [since 2012]. Gary is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in HRIM. From 1999 to 2012 he was an active member and then executive officer of the non-profit Burgh Bears social club in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently Gary is employed by the Erie County Department of Health as the HIV Disease Intervention Specialist, serving as a community member of the HIV Planning Group in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Along with advising the NWPAPA Board, he chairs the Erie County HIV Task Force, serves on the Erie Gay News Editorial Board, and is the President of the AFSCME Union Local 2666.

Photos

Also view photos here.