TBRU 23

Texas Bear Round-Up also known as TBRU is an annual event. It is run by a non-profit organization called The Dallas Bears. This organization consists of gentlemen who consider themselves bears, cubs, otters, and allies. If you don't know what those are...Google it. They put on many events throughout the year to raise money for various charities. But to my knowledge, TBRU is the biggest charity event and for me the best one. It brings in guys from all over the nation and I even think some internationally. You see guys of all different shapes, color, and backgrounds. They all come together for an amazing weekend. I have been to the last 3 TBRU events and I cannot wait for the next.

My first TBRU I went to was about 3 years ago. I had met a guy a month before the event and he gave me the rundown of what it was. I decided that I would give it a try. I bought my Bear Dance ticket for that Friday and really had no idea what else was going on. I showed up to S4 for Bear Dance...alone. The guy I was talking to was still debating if he was going to go to Bear Dance. He decided not to and was going to stay on Cedar Springs, but at other bars. I figured since I paid for the ticket I might as well at least see what it was about. At this point in my life, I was very shy and really didn't know how to approach people and just spark up a conversation. I did a couple of laps looking around but mostly looking at my phone like I was busy. After about 30 minutes I decided it was time to leave. Being in a situation where I didn't know anyone and it was a new environment was definitely not in my comfort zone. I met up with this guy and his friends at Round Up and they talked about ending the night at the Eagle. So I had only been to the Eagle maybe twice before this event. I was still nervous and if it was going to be like the crowd at Bear Dance, I was going to need a few drinks. When we got to the Eagle I was feeling pretty good. I remember walking into the Leather Store and zoned in on a harness and purchased it immediately. The next day I went back to the Eagle but the line was all the way down the street and I decided to go home. Even though my first TBRU was very short, it was a lot of fun overall.

The following year I was a little more established and definitely more prepared. Now since my first Bear Dance was such a bust, I decided I wasn't going to buy another ticket. Our whole weekend was planned out and it was definitely a lot better. I was talking to another guy at the time and we had a pretty good time. I might have gone a little too hard on Saturday because when we went to Church (The Hidden Door) I did not last. I was back home in bed by 6.

TBRU 23 happened a few months ago. This one I decided to volunteer as a bartender at the event. I got a couple of free nights stay and made a little stay-cation out of it. I took off work Friday and Monday just to be safe. Walking into the Hyatt on Thursday you could definitely feel the excitement in the air. People were hugging and laughing like they haven't seen their best friend in a while. I definitely felt comfortable and knew that it was going to be a great weekend. My first night to bar tend was that Thursday night. It was pretty slow, but mostly because people were still getting into town. The first night I was exhausted because I don't remember the last time I stood on my feet for that long. The following day, I hung out with friends and walked around the vendors market. Me and my friends had decided to go to Bear Dance and have a pre-party at my house since it was right down the street at S4. When we got there it was already packed. We had met up with some friends that were already there and definitely danced the night away. All the DJs were amazing and to top it all off it was one of our good friend’s birthdays!

The following day we went to brunch at Dot's in Lower Greenville to recuperate. I had to bartend again on Saturday so I went back and took a nap. Now...when I volunteered I had said I wanted to just do the beer well. I got my request granted on Thursday, but as I was walking up on Saturday...the two guys that got me to volunteer asked: "Guess who is behind a liquor station?" I simply replied "Who?". I am not afraid to bartend but surprise..surprise I am lazy. Well, I ended up getting behind a liquor station and I am so glad that I did. It was so busy I think I was able to take a step back and breathe maybe twice. But I was actually able to meet so many people from out of town. Everyone I talked to was super friendly and made a lot of connections. I still talk to quite of few of them through Facebook. Another thing I thought was pretty interesting was after we closed down. The members of the Dallas Bears and volunteers were so excited and pleased with how the night and weekend went. To me volunteering really wasn't a big deal, but they definitely made me feel what I did was appreciated.

The next day, my favorite day of TBRU, was Church then trash disco. I checked out of the hotel and headed home to get ready. First stop was the Hidden Door, to no surprise it was packed full of bears and cubs. I ran into a lot of the guys that I met the night before while bartending and they were still nice as ever. We stayed there for about 2 hours and then left to the Eagle. When we got there we definitely made it to the dance floor and finished our TBRU the right way.

I definitely feel that this last TBRU was definitely the best one. I got meet so many people from all backgrounds, made amazing memories and it definitely convinced me to volunteer again. TBRU 24 is definitely approaching, the theme this year is “The Best Little Bear-House in Texas” and is taking place March 14, 2019-March 17, 2019. For more information make sure to check out their website www.tbru.org for future details. If you decide to go, definitely say hi to me, I will be the cub behind the bar!

What has been your best TBRU memory?