On Saturday, January 20, 2007, almost thirty SMRA members and friends from the middle Tennessee area took a road trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. The gang stayed at a local motel and partied at two of Knoxville's GLBT clubs ... Kurt's Bar and Club XYZ!

The night started out at Kurt's Bar with a TexMex buffet, country music and drink specials. Management, staff and local patrons at Kurt's Bar did a great job of making SMRA feel welcome and aprpeciated. The festivities included some rodeo education as well when Mr. SMRA 2007, Justin James, taught the crowd the basics of Flag Racing by using volunteers from the crowd! Participants won prizes and had a great time.

Later in the night, the gang was welcomed by Club XYZ which was decorated in a western theme using authentic saddles and cowboy boot centerpieces. A special country-themed show was the highlight of the evening.

Special thanks to management at both clubs and to Tim T. for helping to organize the road trip. Watch for announcements regarding similar events in the future!

On Sunday, January 28, 2007, SMRA hosted it's third "Gay Ol' Opry" night at the Chute Complex! This all-country show include performances by several SMRA Members and special guests. A good-sized crowd braved the cold weather to come out and show their support. Everyone had a great time and all the proceeds will benefit our Charity Partners!

Special thanks to all the performers, the staff at the Chute and Jack M. for doing a great job as emcee.

Don't Miss "Gay Ol' Opry IV" coming soon!

On Wednesday, January 31, 2007, Blue Gene's hosted its first Cowboy Happy Hour! The threat of winter weather didn't keep all the cowboys away! A group of SMRA members met at Blue Gene's for an after-work cocktail and good conversation.

Blue Gene's played country music and and showed country videos on all the televisions ... including the big screen. Hot fresh pizza really hit the spot!

Thanks again to Geno and the staff at Blue Genes for making us feel welcome! Watch the SMRA Calendar of Events for future Cowboy Happy Hours!

February 2, 2007
Night One of SMRA’s Winter Rodeo Fundraiser at Lucky’s Garage!

Winter Round-Up is an SMRA tradition! Two Nights, Two Clubs! Beginning at 8:00 p.m., join the crowd at Lucky’s Garage and enjoy SMRA’s favorite comedienne, Donna Carter, as she performs LIVE. You don’t want to miss the “Shirt-Off-A-Cowboy’s- Back” Auction where you can bid on the clothes that a model is wearing and buy the shirt off his back! The evening will include a special appearance by The Pantomime Rage of Miss Bianca Page with other live performances that are sure to amaze and entertain you! All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Charity Partners of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

February 3, 2007
Night Two of SMRA’s Winter Rodeo Fundraiser at the Chute Complex!

Night Two, Club Two! The winter fun continues at the Chute Complex with a silent auction, live performances, and other special activities! At 8:00 p.m., country line dance lessons will begin and party- goers can enjoy Bud Light on draft from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Charity Partners of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

SMRA's fiscal year shall begin on the first (1st) day of January of each calendar year and end at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each calendar year.

CLICK HERE if you would like to print a copy of SMRA's current Bylaws. Questions or comments concerning SMRA Bylaws and Guidelines can be directed to the Bylaws Chair at bylaws@smra.net.

A triangular pattern similar to that of the barrel race is used, with the substitution of a pole in place of barrel number three. The two other barrels will have a bucket that is 3/4 full of rabbit pellets placed on top of it, and a flag in one of these buckets. The rider may choose to run to the right or left and as they pass the first barrel, they pick up the flag, race past the pole, back to the second barrel, and attempt to place the flag in the second bucket. If the rider knocks over the first bucket or the pole, a 5-second penalty will be assessed. If the rider does not pick up the flag or misses the second bucket, no time will be given. If the second bucket or barrel are knocked over, the rider is disqualified. Looks easy, but try this at 30 plus miles per hour!