2010 Event Recaps

2009 Events
2008 Events
2007 Events

Kentuckiana and Nashville Pride 2010

Who says you can't be in two places at once? SMRA did just that attending both the Kentuckiana and Nashville Prides which happened to take place on the same weekend in June. Our Kentucky contingent marched in the parade in Louisville, KY. Afterwards, the gang went out to have some fun and dance the night away at Starbase Q. In Nashville, our members had a booth at the festival on the Riverwalk. Despite the blazzing temperatures, Miss SMRA 2010, Uma Stephens, managed to keep herself looking as fresh as when she just stepped out of the powder room while she met up with a variety of folks and helped to promote SMRA.
See photos from Nashville Pride
See photos from Louisville Pride

Wrap-Up for Spring Roundup 2010

SMRA's Spring Roundup this year was an awesome weekend! From the great time we had at Lipstick Lounge with the cowboy/cowgirl trivia and Southern Comfort drinks to the spiritual and awesome Gospel Show on Sunday, one couldn't go wrong.

Southern Comfort sponsored us for our night at Lipstick Lounge. SMRA received 50% of the drink sales of Southern Comfort. Thank you so much Southern Comfort for this great donation! We, also, had two trivia groups for their cowboy/cowgirl trivia. Unfortunately neither of them won but that just means we have to go more often to Lipstick Lounge for trivia night! Be watching for announcements on this! Thanks to Christa and Lipstick for their support of this event!

Plenty of Smoky's made it to Play for our Gay Ole Opry, silent auction and country dancing. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped set things up and tore down for the silent auction; who danced their butts off on the dance floor all night and performed like superstars in the Gay Ole Opry. Thanks to Uma Stephens, Miss SMRA 2010 and Kitty Kinkaid, Miss SMRA 2008 for their coordination of the Opry; Terry S. and David C. for handling the DJ and dance lessons and, of course, we can't thank Oscar and Play enough for their support.

Saturday night we had the SMRA Board of Directors and the General Membership. Right after our General Membership members went over to Blue Gene's to have some pizza which they sponsored. We just stayed there all night to party, enjoy the incredible performers and partake in the Jell-O shots that Brett W. made. Geno, thank you very much for the pizza and your continued support of SMRA.

The Gospel Show on Sunday hosted by Kitty Kinkaid, Miss SMRA 2008. As always, it was a great show that included illusionist performances and wonderful live singing. I very much thank Kitty for the opportunity to advertise SMRA at her event. Your support is always appreciated Kitty!

Finally, a special thanks to Darrell B., who donated his time to design the incredible posters for Spring Roundup. They looked terrific!

SMRA Member Wins Bullriding Buckle

Phoenix, AZ – One of our own, Chad B. aka “Smurf,” came home from the Road Runner Regional Rodeo (RRRR) a buckle winner in bullriding. Smurf was the only cowboy to cover his ride out of the three competing cowboys. Ruding the spotted black and white bull “Mud,” Smurf scored 63.5 points on Saturday and 50 points on Sunday. Congratulations Smurf on your buckle win. Hooray for the Smokies!
     

International Gay Rodeo Association University Recap

SMRA members Justin J. and James Bowman Harris aka Uma Stephens, Miss SMRA 2010 attended International Gay Rodeo Assocation University (IGRA U) this year in sunny Las Vegas. IGRA U is a yearly annual event where members of the gay rodeo community can learn more about various aspects of rodeo and organization production, organization and management; network with other IGRA members; and have a good ol' country time, too. James received an Associates Degree in Rodeo Arts. Congratulates to James on this achievement.

University had 90 attendees this year. It was well run with 6 different class sessions from Friday through Sunday. Not to mention the parties at night. Uma Stephens helped MC the 2010 Dance Competition held on Saturday night. She did a wonderful job keeping the crowd cheering through out the contest.

We would have had pictures from this weekend; however, Justin J. seemed to have "lost" his camera. Proving the old addage that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Be sure to mark your calendars for IGRA U 2011 which will be in St. Louis, MO. If you have any questions about IGRA U and its curriculum contact, contact Justin J., 615-202-1992.