FROM THE IRGA PRESIDENT
WELCOME to the 502 IN THE 505!
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nbelievable that just a few weeks ago IGRA celebrated the 500th Gay Rodeo that the world has ever known in picturesque Duncan Mills, California, and now we’re gathered for our 31st World Gay Rodeo Finals Presented by Corona Extra in The Duke City – Albuquerque. With its melding of multiple cultures, where Spanish influence meets American West, it's an ideal host location for this weekend’s culmination of our Rodeo and Royalty year. We’re glad you’ve joined us, whether you’re a casual first-time rodeo watcher or a dyed-in-the-wool longtime fan. Throughout the weekend you’ll experience some of the local flavor of the rich Albuquerque community, top cowboys and cowgirls vying for championship titles and maybe even go home with a uniquely beautiful souvenir buckle. We’re deeply grateful to our local partners at EXPO New Mexico, Sheraton Airport, and Sidewinders for their cooperation in hosting our events. The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association, led by President Rich Taylor, has pitched in all year to build excitement, paving the way for our return to the Land of Enchantment. And of course, the hard working WGRF Committee led by Rodeo Director Lisa Smith and her team of Assistant Rodeo Directors has truly worked year round to bring this event to life. They’ll be supported in the arena, behind the chutes, even up to the crow’s nest by a first rate army of arena crew, chute crew, timers and rodeo officials, each of whom donates his or her time, all for the love of the sport and a desire to serve the communities in which each is involved. IGRA and its Member Associations have compiled a startling record, returning over $4,000,000 to charities operating in their local communities and throughout the country. This year we’re proud to add Joshua Tree, StupidCancer and Equest to our family. Part of that is possible thanks to Sponsorship partners, selfless volunteers, Royalty who’ll think of anything to get your last dollar bill for charity and a host of guests, donors and spectators who’ll willingly play along … and pay along. Sit back, relax, enjoy the show, have some fun and spend a little time with our family. It doesn’t matter if you’re a rodeo virgin or veteran, man or woman, young or old, gay, straight or anything in between, a city slicker or a country bumpkin – come as you are! You’ll find a place here. And you just might decide to throw on some sneakers and chase a goat next time!
Bruce Gros IGRA President Photo courtesy of IGRA
