Photo Courtesy of Wayne LaRoque
(Left to right) Steve Royer (2014 president of the Ours Ottawa Bears), Steven Duguay (Mr. Ottawa Bear 2014), and Wade Crombie (Mr. Ottawa Bear 2015) at last year’s competition. The Ours Ottawa Bears, a local group that help promote the value of diversity of body image within the broader LGBTQ community, are celebrating their 20th anniversary this weekend.
A number of festivities will take place in Centretown, including the annual Mr. Ottawa Bear competition.
“The Ottawa Bears is dedicated to the bigger man that doesn’t necessarily fit the stereotypical gay mold,” says Wade Crombie, Mr. Ottawa Bear 2015.
The celebration kicks off on Friday night at Swizzles, the “bias-free” bar on Queen Street. There will be a meet n’ greet followed by some bear-karaoke, otherwise known as “bearaoke.” On Saturday there is a group skate on the Rideau Canal during the day and then the main event will be held at the Jack Purcell Centre at 7 p.m.
The competition will start with a question period where the contestants answer both silly and serious questions. Afterwards there will be more crowd-pleasing challenges like dance-offs and games. There will also be a Bear Fashion Show and performances by the Ottawa Capital Kings and drag queen Dixie Landers.
“I’m most excited about seeing the communities support for the bears for this inclusive event and seeing everyone enjoy themselves,” says Wayne LaRoque, president of the Ours Ottawa Bears.
The winner of the Mr. Ottawa Bear title is responsible for representing the group whenever possible, such as attending and organizing events throughout the year.