Bears converge on Buffalo for a long weekend of parties

October 10-12, join the Buffalo Bears and hundreds of “bears”(gay men who are proudly masculine and lot less on the Will & Grace side) from around the US and Canada for a weekend-long celebration at Buffalo Bear Trap 4. In 2005, the Buffalo Bears decided to organize the annual Buffalo Bear Trap to bring bears together in Buffalo to celebrate and throw one of the biggest parties of the year. This year’s event promises to be better than ever.

Things kick of on Friday, October 10, with a “Wild Wing Welcome”at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where attendees can meet and greet at the host hotel to start the weekend off with a bang. Later in the evening, things heat up with comedian Frank DeCaro at Century Grill fallowed by a keg party at OHM Ultra Lounge (formerly Miss Kitty’s), located at the corner of Main and Allen Streets. Then it’s back to the hotel for an after-hours party in the hospitality suite.

Saturday begins a little more calmly with a coffee klatsch and late registration in the Buffalo Room at the Buffalo Hyatt, followed by a scavenger hunt, a beach-themed party, and then a dinner at the Century Grill that evening. Then it’s off to the Town Ballroom for the biggest bear party from Toronto to New York City with DJ Ska Bear spinning requests all night long.

Lastly, Sunday morning features a brunch, followed by a pool party at the Olympia Health Club. Then it’s back to Century Grill for a disco party, dinner buffet, games and prizes, as another fabulous Bear Trap comes to a close. The weekend always promises to be a good time; if you can make it through all the parties, events, and after-parties to survive Bear Trap, you’ll never forget the experience—or the many friendly faces you’ll meet.

For more information on event times, locations, ticket costs, and registration, visit Bear Trap online at buffalobeartrap.com or the Buffalo Bears at buffalobears.org. I hope to see you out!

—bryan whitley-grassi