Well, we are off to a good start for the year already. Thanks again to all the guys and girls that helped out with the Winter Round-up and Rodeo Nights on the first Saturday of each month. If we keep this up we’ll have another successful year!

I would also like to encourage everyone (members or not) to come out to the planned events as there is a lot of work that goes into our fundraising events and the funds that we raise go towards our charity partners at the end of the year. So come on out and bring a friend!

IGRA University was a successful weekend for the seven SMRA members that attended classes in Las Vegas. I would like to thank those members for taking the time to attend this weekend with me: Jack M., Justin J., Tam K., Barry R., Tim T., and Paul D. Everyone had a great weekend and I’ve always heard “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” but not this time. There was a ton of good information presented and the seven of us are going to share it all to further the success of SMRA.

Please take a few minutes to visit www.smra.net for more up-to-date information and announcements. For example, the SMRA Trail Blaze is coming up! This trip to “Rodeo on the Rock” in Little Rock is not only a fun trip (with all the parties), but very much a rodeo education trip as well. CLICK HERE to learn more about the trip and the great rates that have been negotiated! The Atlanta rodeo in 2005 was where I fell in love with the speed events and I’ve been working (with the help of a couple of members) to become a barrel racer myself! My horse, Claire, and I will be making our debut in Little Rock, competing together for the first time. You may not be in love with rodeo yet, but how will you know for sure if you never attend one?! You don’t have to get in the dirt to enjoy these trips, just be willing to have a good time and meet some great people from across this great country of ours. It’s worth it!

Looking forward to working with you,
Grigsby White, President
Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association

Greetings Smokys!

As the 2007 IGRA Rodeo Season kicks into full gear the first weekend in March with the Big D Rodeo in Dallas, TX, some of your fellow Smokys have been honing their skills and gaining knowledge at IGRA University (IGRA-U) in Las Vegas February 22nd - 25th. SMRA should be proud to have been one of the thirteen associations investing in their future, and the future of IGRA. In addition, SMRA had the most students of any association – way to go! Classes were offered and attended in several areas, including Rodeo Planning & Production, Royalty, Media Relations, Web Design, Leadership and more. I’m pleased to report the following students’ progress to date:

• Jack M. - Associate Degree in Rodeo Arts
• Grigsby W. - Associate Degree in Rodeo Arts
• Barry R. - Certificate of Achievement
• Justin J. - Certificate of Achievement
• Tim T. - Certificate of Achievement
• Paul D. - Certificate of Achievement
• Tam K. - Bachelor's Degree in Rodeo Arts

University wound down with a Graduation luncheon followed by a roundtable with both Brian Helander, President of IGRA, and Brian Rogers & Rik Kelly, University Chancellors, regarding the future of IGRA and University. Some great discussion and ideas were brought to the floor regarding both – specifically University. We are looking at ways to increase attendance, value and funding. This will be a big discussion at Convention this year.

In addition to classes, students networked with folks from other associations, and participated in a variety of events hosted by NGRA and the Las Vegas community, including the Wild ‘n Wooley Wodeo at Charlie’s, Boogie Wonderland at Badlands Saloon, and a Night With Oscar at Charlie’s. All in all, a wonderful weekend. As SMRA’s students will attest, the weekend was worthwhile and is a great way for members, such as you, to learn and get involved in SMRA and Gay Rodeo. I look forward to seeing more of you next year!

Tam Keltner, Trustee

Two great clubs, two great nights - Wow, what a weekend! On Friday, February 2, 2007, SMRA and its posse invaded Lucky's Garage for a night of cowboy fun including special performances by commedienne Donna Carter and SMRA members Justin James (Mr. SMRA 2007), Jack M. and James C. Other fun included a Bud Light Beer Bust, Jello Shots and a "Rip/Buy The Shirt Off a Model" auction. A huge thanks to the staff at Lucky's Garage, including our "models", the bartenders and Spyder. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to returning to Lucky's soon!

Our second night of fun, Saturday, February 3, 2007, moved to the Chute where we hosted our monthly Rodeo Night. In addition to our regular line dance lessons and Bud Light Beer Bust, we held a silent auction and a repeat of the "Rip/Buy The Shirt Off a Model" auction. Momma Jean and two members of the Grizzlies Rugby team, Brad and Doug, served as our models. Once again, the crowd was wowed by the vocal talents of SMRA members Justin James and James Allen Clark. It was another successful night at the Chute.

Thanks to all the volunteers and performers that made the weekend a success. Proceeds from the weekend's fundraising opportunities will benefit the Charity Partners of SMRA. If you missed the fun, don't worry - this is an annual event! See you next time!

On Saturday, February 10, 2007, several members of SMRA attended the First Annual Heart and Soul Ball benefitting the Bianca Paige Awareness Network (BPAN). BPAN was one of SMRA's 2006 Charity Partners receiving a donation of $3,000 at year-end. According to Ken Woods, BPAN Treasurer, SMRA's donation helped kick-start their year and this event.

Attendees enjoyed performances by three local bands (Mindy McQ & Love Pudding, FFY and the Eric Dennis Band) as well as, hors d'oeuvres provided by Rafferty's and a silent auction. Later in the evening, BPAN unveiled current and future HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns targeting adolescents, teens and young adults. The unveiling was hosted by Ron Sanford and included performances by several local performers including Abby McDowell, Chris Mitchell and Tim Toonen.

In addition to sharing their future plans, BPAN awarded numerous individuals and groups for their community efforts. SMRA was presented with the first ever Bianca Paige Awareness Network Community Service Award, followed by performances by Mr. SMRA 2007, Justin James and Mr. Bud Light Nashville 2007, Chris Whitmore. The night ended with a tribute to the organization's namesake, Bianca Paige, followed by an after party at the Chute.

SMRA wishes the Bianca Paige Awareness Network success in the future!

On February 21, 2007, TRAX hosted its first Cowboy Happy Hour for SMRA. Several members gathered to enjoy a few drinks, eat some snacks, watch some videos and play some video games! Special thanks to the staff at TRAX for making the gang fell welcome! Watch for details regarding future Cowboy Happy Hours and mark your calendars so you don't forget!

This weekend, hosted by Diamond State Rodeo Association (DSRA), is an excellent opportunity for folks to learn about gay rodeo and the people that enjoy it. For one low price, rodeo enthusiasts can enjoy the parties, the fun, the camaraderie and the excitement of rodeo that only International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) can provide! Join the fun as women and men from across the U.S. and Canada gather for one of this spring's best gay rodeos!

Click HERE to learn more about the trip and to read about the reduced prices!

On March 24th, along with our regular rodeo night, we are having a second rodeo night at the Chute. It is going to be called "Redneck, Re-Ride Rodeo Night". So if you miss the first one, you get a second chance! This night will have a "redneck" theme including "redneck" prize give-a-ways. So come out and show your redneck side! The April 7th Rodeo Night will be Easter themed. We will have the Easter bunny selling Easter eggs with prizes you can win! So mark the date and come join the fun. We have lots of fundraising events planned through out the year.

If you have ideas, want to be part of the Fundraising Committee or want to volunteer just contact Justin Waldner or me, Steve Bloodworth.

Sincerely,

Steve Bloodworth,
Fundraising Co-Chair

Hey everyone! Don't miss out on an inexpensive advertising opportunity that has the potential to reach all accross the US and Canada (via www.smra.net). SMRA, on behalf of its Charity Partners, is preparing the Pony Ad-Press that will be distributed at many of our events: Rodeo Nights, Pride Events, Play Days, Trail Blazes, Pub Crawls, etc. For a one time fee supporters can place an advertisement in the Pony Ad-Press for the remainder of the year. If they choose to update the ad to reflect current events prior to printing of the Pony Ad-Press, all they have to do is send us an updated advertisement and we'll be happy to place it in the current edition.

Ad prices are extremely reasonable considering the high amount of exposure that they will receive. CLICK HERE to learn about rates! And CLICK HERE to learn about ad specifications!

This is a great way to support SMRA and our Charity Partners for as little as $25! SMRA is flexible and understanding. Give us a shot! We are very easy to work with. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at jameswall77 @yahoo.com or membership@ smra.net.

Thank you,

Mr. SMRA 2007 Justin James and Steve Bloodworth
Fundraising Co-Chairs

Corporate members shall be entitled to one (1) vote after 30 days of membership, even though the individual holding the corporate membership may also hold an individual membership.

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.

This is a good beginner's event, but not as easy as it looks. The rider has a "bull rope" wound around the steer just behind the front legs and then around his or her hand; no knots allowed. With this hand hold and the riders legs, locked like scissors on the steer, are all the rider has to count on to stay on top. A rider who is able to spur, or move their legs back and forth on the steer's sides, will receive a higher score.