Fat Bear Week 2022

For more than 30 years, I have been involved in crafting contexts for relationship to happen. Some of my finer moments have included bobbing for apples in jello, hosting an auction of blind dates for Valentine’s Day, and providing a breakfast experience for Global Outreach Teams. Can people laugh together? Enjoy snacks? Make a few memories? The affection of friendship developed in these moments can help ease the troubles of life in the moments ahead.

So, I’m just going to say it. Fat Bear Week 2022 is an opportunity for relationships that can bring glory to God. Do you have a group of people you want to gather and you need an activity? Why not celebrate Fat Bear Week? Looking for an excuse to meet your neighbors? Host a Fat Bear Party. Who could refuse that invitation?

For the uninitiated, Fat Bear Week is the creation of Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, home to one of the largest salmon runs in the world. The Preserve takes photos of their Brown bears in July and again in September. They arrange the bears into brackets, and the public votes on which bear we think has packed on the most salmon over the summer! Be amazed! Be very amazed! Even the Washington Post got involved last year: Fat Bear Week 2021: What it is and how to celebrate, according to huge fans – The Washington Post.

So, as gatherings go, the food and activities practically plan themselves! Here are a few ideas.

Vote: Brackets will be released on October 3 here. Vote daily from Oct 5-11 for your favorite Fat Bear. Do not be surprised if Otis wins. He has a strong work ethic and a huge fan base. If you want to get really into it, check out the fan gear ready for purchase on Etsy.

Candy: Cinnamon bears, Swedish Fish, Teddy Grahams, Gummy Bears…

Food: Bear Claws, Bagels with cream cheese and lox, Salmon Chowder…

Activities: Pin the Fish on the Bear, Name 10 famous bears, Guess the number of Fish in the Jar. Do you like Puzzles? Try this one. Make a model of your favorite bear with clay Below was my first attempt.