Take a walking tour of Bearfest 2002

The third annual Belfast Bearfest began Saturday, June 8, and will run daily through Oct. 19.

The free exhibit of fiberglass bears boasts more than 40 bears, painted and decorated by Maine artists.

Bearfest was first envisioned by Belfast mayor Mike Hurley and is based on a similar celebration of cows in Chicago. The event has become a tradition in Belfast, attracting thousands of bear-watchers each year.

Bearfest is celebrated on the streets, in the parks, in the stores and on the sidewalks of downtown Belfast and at businesses in east Belfast.

A large group of volunteers, businesses, organizations, and individuals have contributed financial support and gifts of in-kind donations to make the event happen.

The Bearfest organizers sent out calls for artists’ proposals to art organizations, galleries and individual artists. Artists submitted their designs and organizers selected those that best met the event’s design standards and criteria. A few artists, whose work was known to organizers, were specifically asked by Bearfest organizers if they were interested in decorating a bear.

At the conclusion of Bearfest, all of the bears will go up for auction — both via a live auction and on the Internet at www.belfastbearfest.com. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to local charities.

Information from www.belfastbearfest.com