By Matt Simonette

Staff Writer

Most Mr. International Rubber events will this year take place in the heart of Boystown, Center on Halsted at 3656 N. Halsted.

FRIDAY: The event gets off to an unofficial start at noon, Nov. 6, when the MIR Vendor Market opens for business in COH’s Billie Jean King Recreation Hall. Vendors from around the country will be offering their wares for sale—and trial. Among those expected to be on hand are Chicago’s own Shel-Don Chicago, Tool Works Chicago, Raw Candles and the RECON Store, to name just a few. Participant registration and ticket sales also begin at noon.

A “Greet the Meat” cocktail party begins at 7 p.m. in the Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall; a light buffet will be served. That’s followed by Part 1 of the Mr. International Rubber Competition at 8 p.m. in the Hoover-Leppen Theater. It’s your first chance to meet the Mr. International Rubber contestants as they are judged in the first category, “Rubber Image.”

SATURDAY: The MIR Vendor Market opens at noon, and if you have “gently-used” rubber paraphernalia gathering dust, bring it in for the Chicago Rubbermen Gear Swap.

At 8 p.m., the conclusion to the Mr. International Rubber 2010 contest begins. The evening features a question-and-answer section, “mystery bag” and audience participation.

SUNDAY: If you have been going back-and-forth on buying that rubber treasure you spotted in the Vendor Market, today’s your last chance to snag it; the market is open from noon-5 p.m.