On Sunday, March 18, 2007, Mr. SMRA 2007 (Justin James) performed in the CASTLE OF DREAMS annual fundraising event hosted by Lucky's Garage in Nashville, Tennessee. The proceeds from CASTLE OF DREAMS will go to the First Response Clinic.

The First Response Clinic offers a comprehensive array of primary healthcare and support services for economically disadvantaged persons living with HIV/AIDS who have a history of substance use and other psychosocial issues. Services are tailed for individuals that have difficulty negotiating traditional medical settings and struggle with adherence. The First Response Clinic offers clinical evaluation, medical case management, clinical outreach, including directly observed therapy.

The show was "top notch" and included some very good illusionists from the the great city of Nashville. The 5-gallon bucket that was used to collect the tips filled up quickly and the event raised $900 for First Response Clinic!

Special thanks to all the SMRA members that helped set up and to those that attended the event to show their support for Mr. SMRA and First Response Clinic. Mathu and Rodney, co-chairs for the event, greatly appreciate your efforts.

Trailblaze is an awesome weekend getaway! Hosted by Diamond State Rodeo Association (DSRA),, Rodeo in the Rock 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 Saturday, March 24, 2007, SMRA held it's first mid- month themed Rodeo Night, "Redneck Re-Ride Rodeo Night", at the Chute Complex in Nashville. The event was a big success and we saw lots of new faces.

Country dance lessons were taught by Terry F. (great job!), and members James H. and Steve B. manned the DJ booth (another great job!). Momma sold kisses at our Bud Light Beer Bust and a great time was had by all.

Many people took the redneck theme to heart by donning redneck attire and enjoying the fun. "Redneck Prizes", donated by Jack M. and Steve B., went unclaimed and will be presented to a lucky individual at the next Redneck Re-Ride Rodeo Night!

So, mark your calendars for April 21, 2007 at the Chute and plan to come out for our next mid-month rodeo night at the Chute Complex.

Thanks to everyone, members and non-members alike, that made the evening a success. Special thanks to the Fundraising Committee and to the staff at the Chute Complex for making everyone feel welcome.

Beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at the Chute Complex, this always popular evening of country music will feature performances by SMRA members and more! All proceeds, including a modest cover charge, will benefit the Charity Partners of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

Mark your calendars and and bring your friends to join the country fun!

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, one of SMRA's 2007 Charity Partners, is pleased to announce that performance legend Bob Newhart, who has earned a worldwide reputation for his masterful deadpan comedy shtick, will be bringing his talent and humor to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Friday, May 4 at 8:00 p.m. Newhart’s single live performance serves as a comedy tribute to the well-known and beloved comedienne Minnie Pearl. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. Click here for ticket information.

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to funding programs that provide the greatest benefit to cancer patients and their families. By supporting new programs in cancer research, education, and patient and family services, we honor the memory of Sarah Cannon, a cancer patient herself, who created the beloved character “Minnie Pearl.”

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

Duane "Skip" Flathers was born and raised in the small town of Dewitt, Iowa, close to the Mississippi river where his family milked cows and raised beef cattle. While growing up in rural Iowa, as the middle child of five, he was involved in 4-H and FFA and he showed cattle, hogs, sheep and other animals, eventually leading Skip to show cattle and sheep for a living.

Skip attended Junior College and received a Science Degree in animal science. He was offered an opportunity to pursue an additional degree in the field but turned it down to work with live stock. It was his work with a major breeder of cattle in Iowa that allowed him to make contacts with many well-known breeders across the United States. Skip has since shown live stock in every state but three. Currently a freelance cattle shower (mostly Black Angus) and different breeds of sheep, Skip travels the United States representing various breeders at State Fairs and Cattle Shows. He helps children and young adults get involved with showing livestock and works with families who he hopes will continue to do what he does for a living. Skip is currently working with the fourth generation of people from families that he has been working with for more than forty years.

Skip became interested in gay rodeo while living in Iowa and joined Heartland Rodeo Association (HGRA). Skip has been a member of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association for three years and was selected to serve as Mr. SMRA in 2006. To Skip, the best part of SMRA is its dedicated members and all the wonderful people that he meet through our organization across the United States and Canada. Skip says that rodeos are a part of his life and he loves meeting and working with rodeo people.

Skip resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his partner, Terry, who has become interested in his career and has come to enjoy the rodeo as much as Skip.

Article II - Objective

The objective of the Corporation shall be to elevate the image of women and men in the sports field of rodeo.

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 two-person event was created specially for gay rodeo. The team stands 50 feet from the point where the goat is tethered. One of the team members has a pair of jockey-style underwear worn over their forearms. When the whistle sounds, the team runs to the goat. The team member without the underwear picks up the goat's rear hooves, grabs the underwear from around the other member's arms, and pulls it up the legs of the goat. Both team members must then race back to the start/finish line and cross the finish line to stop the time. The underwear must stay over the goat's tail bone until the timer is tagged by both members.