DF13 Tastes Forbidden Fruit, Again

from DF 13

Leading into April this year (March 30-April 2), the Erie community was home once again for the Exclusive Bear Weekend known as Drenched Fur. It was the thirteenth time the ‘Best Little Run for Fun' created a space where hundreds of men coming from the likes of Canada, California, Florida, Texas, and around the tri-state area. Erie has been annually hosting Drenched Fur for over a decade as a weekend where men who appreciate each other and their natural masculinity can let off some winter doldrums. This year's theme did a twist on the 'unlucky number 13' and revolved around the cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The DF13 weekend kicked off on Thursday night as over 85% of the attendees arrived to socialize at the meet ‘n greet mixer, and revel in the surprise ‘splash mob' entertainment while relaxing at the hotel pool. On Friday night, virgins and veterans alike gathered together to do callbacks and use props while watching the "Rocky" film. Then the guys got their groove on in the ballroom for the "Don't Dream It, Be It" themed dance that the ever popular DJ Tony Ruiz returned to spin the house down. The main event for Drenched Fur is an exclusive Saturday night time private event at Splash Lagoon, our local indoor water park resort. In addition to enjoying the fun wet times there, the weekend this year also included Bear-e-oke, a local Beer Tour, a Winery Tour to North East, PA, region. And all new this year was the inclusion of Erie's own extraordinary drag performers for 'The Floor Show' Drag Bingo event on Friday night. The Zone's very own House Diva Michelle Michaels brought together local queens Misty Michaels Kall, Lovin Heart, and Rebecca Mae to entertain and help call bingo numbers! Sunday morning the weekend wrapped up with the charity silent auction which raised $1,300 for the Veterans Miracle Center of Erie.

The Drenched Fur 13 Committee and volunteers outdid themselves putting on one of the biggest events for Erie's LGBTQA community. Huge thanks to all the individuals, sponsors, and businesses that were involved in making DF13 a success! To find out more about Drenched Fur, visit our website to review the photo gallery from over the years. Mark your calendars to take a rocket ride into next years installment of DF14, ‘Bears in Space' April 12-15 in 2018!

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.