He was a grizzly bear in a river at spawning season!
Jon asked to be a bear about 2½ weeks ago, and since then we’ve had to quickly design, sew and build the costume. We steered him away from being a polar bear (since the goat 5 years ago was kinda similar), so he decided on grizzly bear, and Peter then immediately came up with the (bite-off-more-than-you can-chew) river with salmon idea.
We made it through this construction with most of our hair intact! That’s not to say it wasn’t close, with Peter doing the finishing touches (mainly involving hot-melt glue) just as we were heading out the door (they were scheduled for then, not a panic—P). No time for test runs here—just glue and go!
Left: Jon modelling his costume in kitchen seconds prior to trick-or-treating.
Right: close-up of salmon.
The costume was perfectly suitable for the crisp fall weather. For once Jon put up with wearing mittens, most of the way at least. Unfortunately one of the stream’s two “rocks” (made of cardboard and craft paper) disengaged during our travels; we had hoped it make it through the evening, but his new wheelchair has far fewer solid anchor points! At least the bear costume held up just fine (and is still perfectly useable….anyone want a slightly-used bear costume?)
Links to past costumes: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004
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Mireille Messier says:
November 2, 2010 at 9:14 am (UTC 0)
What a fantastic costume! Salmon, for goodness sake. You put all the rest of us to shame. Ever thought of entering your costumes in some contests? I’m sure you coud win. Or at least come bearly close (-;
JHGRedekop says:
November 2, 2010 at 9:22 am (UTC 0)
It reminds me a little of Alice’s pangolin costume from “Cul de Sac”: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3_P7eJQLZ54/TMtwg9QCsHI/AAAAAAAACwQ/TGZqdt-vt7w/s1600/Picture+7.png
(Context: http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2010/10/todays-cul-de-sac-for-like-last-two.html)
Mohammad says:
December 4, 2012 at 6:17 pm (UTC 0)
I bought this cotsume for my three year old and he absolutely loves it! We just got it in the mail today and he wanted to put it on right away! He would push the pretend buttons on the front of it and fly around the room. This was the great cotsume for him and I’m so happy I got it! HOWEVER, I did order the 3T-4T and we received the 4-6 so I was a little confused on why that happend BUT my son is tall for his age so honestly I’m happy I got this one, it fits him perfect!
Peter says:
November 2, 2010 at 10:34 am (UTC 0)
James: is that a nice way of suggesting it looks like it was a converted dragon costume? 😉
Tamiko says:
November 2, 2010 at 12:08 pm (UTC 0)
Spawning salmon!!Brilliant! I knew about the bear and had wondered if you were going to have him in a cage but that would have been too easy for your incredibly high standards. Another great job you guys!
Patti says:
November 2, 2010 at 1:50 pm (UTC 0)
Man, you guys out do yourselves every year. Awesome costume!
Bev says:
November 2, 2010 at 4:03 pm (UTC 0)
That. Is. Amazing.
Anita Kunz says:
November 7, 2010 at 8:02 pm (UTC 0)
Wow…very impressive. And very cute!!
Severn says:
November 16, 2010 at 11:43 am (UTC 0)
That is the most amazing simultaneous prey and predator costume I’ve ever seen. You guys are something else. Way to choose the bear, Jon!
Natalie says:
January 24, 2011 at 8:41 am (UTC 0)
(Oops, I posted my comment on the wrong costume post – I meant this bear costume! I wouldn’t need the fish or river, just the bear).
Hi, you guys are so talented, this costume is amazing!! 🙂 I would never be able to make something like that myself. If you don’t plan to use it again I wonder if you would let me buy it from you? I’m in the UK but will pay for shipping too of course. Thanks for your time. I’d love to hear from you. All the best, Natalie