Time Out helps crown Sydney's papa bear

Sydney's bear scene has a new papa bear in the form of the newly crowned Mr Harbour City Bear 2010.

A panel of judges, including Time Out Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Editor, Andrew Georgiou, Sydney Star Observer's Scott Abrahams and last year's winner Jason Lee unanimously voted for 34-year-old Justin Hyde on Saturday night's competition held at the Supper Club.

As a father of a one-year-old son and a volunteer with the RSPCA, Hyde showed great promise as the face of the Harbour City Bears and spoke of a bigger and brighter bear community for 2010 and beyond when he addressed the crowd during question and answer time.

The night kicked off as Maxi Shield channelled Marilyn Monroe with a seductive opening number. It didn't take long until this Goldilocks was joined by no less than five bear contestants sporting rather revealing togas that proudly showed off their furry attributes to a roaring crowd.

Last year's winner, Jason Lee, went on not only to take the Australasian title but also knock the Brit bears for a six when he came home with the Mr Great British Bear Bash Contest. Apparently the English love a hairy Aussie.

Time Out will keep you posted on Justin's reign as Mr Harbour City Bear 2010. Meanwhile, check out photos from the night by our friends at Same Same.

Want to let your fur fly in the company of other hairy honchos? Check out the Harbour City Bears official website.

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