No Hollywood Ending for Chrome Bear.

Photo by Patrick Brough

As you've probably heard by now, gone since day one of BearFest 2009, Chrome Bear, has finally been found. Or rather has been returned. You can read about it HERE and HERE.

Unfortunately, Chrome Bear seems to be in a state of 'beyond repair'. There are no suspects as of yet. Soas not to dwell on the one dark chapter in what has been an amazing run for our 35 bear friends, let's move right along to what's been happening in this the final week of BearFest.


This past weekend, among the many events during the 'weeklong celebration of the arts', was a fun little 'bear picnic'. The blueberry pie eating contest seemed to be the highlight of that event...


The chain saw artists were pretty cool too. Don't worry, these guys weren't at the kids' picnic.


And it was great to see all the bears lined up together along Main Street (even if it didn't help the Cottage Street walking traffic as much this time)...

Until Monday morning, when all the bears were brought inside for repairs and final makeup by the artists that created them.


Berry Bear gets put in an embarrassing position as artist Diedrick Snoek prepares to do some touching up...




The rest of the bears await their turn to be brought back to their original splendor...


It seems some bears needed a little more attention than others...


And then there were none...

I must admit the town does look a little bear without the bears.


Here's hoping a few that get purchased at tomorrow night's auction find their way back to their old spots.

In case you're thinking about it, here's a video summary of the bears on the block...



It's been fun, great for the city (and for biz), and certainly great for conversation and blogging (it's felt more like 'The Bear Diaries' around here than ice cream). Easthampton City Arts again should be complimented for putting together such a great, successful, and challenging event, and making it look easy. I'm sure they're all ready to get back to life as they knew it before the bears overtook most of their waking lives.

Hope to see them, or some other fiberglass entities, again next year.

Ok, how about the year after?