Hello Smokys ~

How time flies! It's hard to believe that we're almost halfway through the year. I am very proud of all that SMRA has accomplished so far this year. In addition to our traditional monthly rodeo nights, we've added a second night at the Chute, Momma has raised a lot of money selling her famous hugs, we've hosted a successful Winter Round-Up, a Spring Pub Crawl, Gay Ol' Opry and Country Idol. We have much more going on and everyone should be proud of our accomplishments. Thanks to everyone that has worked so hard to make these events successful.

Coming up in the second half of 2007, in addition to rodeo nights, we still have Road Trips, Play Day, our first golf tournament and much more. We still need everyone's help to make these events successful. Members in the Knoxville area are encouraged to be a part of the planning of July's Play Day and anyone that knows about golf tournaments would be a big help! Just let me know if you want more information. Please keep participating and enjoying the fun!

Our Sponsors and Charity Partners are more involved than ever. By making appearances at our events and sharing information about SMRA with their email distribution lists, etc., they also contribute to our success.

SMRA needs the help and support of all its members to grow and move forward. If we plan to host a rodeo in 2009, we need everyone to pitch in now. Don't sit back and let a few do the work of many - help make it happen and be a part of the success. I have asked Barry R. to start working to find a location and to prepare a budget for a 2009 rodeo. Please watch for an upcoming meeting notice. Let's all step up and be involved so we can host a rodeo that we can all be proud of!

Grigsby White
SMRA President 2007

On Thursday, May 31, 2007, the Chute Complex selected a "Country Music Idol King of the Cowboys". After several weeks of competition the winner was Jason with Chadd and Colleen as runners-up.

The talent throughout the competition was wonderful! Thanks to all that came out to support SMRA, Bartender Don and all the singers. Proceeds from generous tips, silent auction items, etc. throughout the competition will benefit the Charity Partners of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

Congratulations and thanks to the winners and to everyone that contributed to the success of Country Music Idol!

The SMRA Logo t-shirts have been ordered but there has been a slight delay in their delivery. Tamara was in the middle of moving so the shirts had to be delayed for a short time. She has advised us that the shirts will be completed shortly and will be sent as soon as they are finished. Thanks to everyone for their patience.

We have our SMRA ink pens that were used as "give aways" at the Nashville PRIDE celebration on June 2, 2007.

Just a reminder, both White and Blue shirts are available to order for $65 each. Name badges are also available for $15.

Cowboy Up!

Brad Klein, Inventory Chair

SMRA's participation in Nashville Pride 2007 went smoothly. Our booth was very popular and we distributed quite a bit of information about our organization and our Charity Partners. We had a great location, fun decorations, and a good turn out of members who took part in the parade and had a great time. Special thanks to Steve B. and James H. for coordinating our participation in the event and to Brad K. for providing "give away items" and organizing the inventory that was made available for sale.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend SMRA's General Membership Meetings scheduled for the first Saturday of each month.

ARTICLE V, Section IV, Item "A" of the By-Laws, Rules of Order and Precedents of SMRA, Inc. states that "A quorum of the general membership of this Corporation shall consist of ten percent 10% of the eligible voting membership if membership is 100 or less, then 10% plus 1 vote for each additional 50 members. The voting membership rolls shall be certified by the Secretary and shall be open for inspection prior to the General Membership meeting."

As SMRA continues to grow, it is important that members attend meetings and participate in activities. We must have a quorum at each meeting so that we can continue to achieve our purpose of promoting the country western way of life with rodeos and other rodeo-themed events, raising money and supporting our local charities, hosting a successful rodeo, and making a positive mark on the community.

It's time for another SMRA ROAD TRIP! Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association has been invited to Crossings Lexington for a night of Kentucky Cowboy fun. On Saturday, June 23, 2007, caravans of Smokys and friends will leave Nashville and Knoxville to meet up in Lexington, Kentucky.

Located in the heart of Downtown Lexington since 1989, Crossings has been a landmark fixture in the gay community. Crossings takes pride in being a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood club, with a diverse crowd. They offer great drink specials, and the best Happy Hour in Lexington, all served up by their personable and attentive staff! While meeting friends, both new and old, you can enjoy their large collection of retro and current music videos on their 106" screen with a state of the art sound system. They also offer pool, darts, and video games for added entertainment. The hottest male dancers in the area perform monthly, and weekend events include Leather Night, Country Western Video Night, and loads of fun theme nights. Their goal is to provide us with superb, friendly service, in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

Motel arrangements and pricing are currently under negotiation. Please SAVE THE DATE and send an email if you plan to go so you're sure to receive details about the trip as they become available.

Road trips like this are excellent opportunities to expand our membership and to reach out to the communities in our territory. THIS IS NOT A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT. Please invite your friends! The more the better - and splitting the cost of gas and lodging never hurts!

This summer's PLAY DAY at Rarity Bay Equestrian Center (Saturday, July 14, 2007) is going to be a great time! The facilities are beautiful and the event is generating lots of enthusiasm from both the Knoxville community and our mid-state members. So far, plans include demonstrations of several rodeo events, hands-on opportunities to try out others, and plenty of food and beverages. The crowd will enjoy several "mock events" that are lots of fun.

After PLAY DAY ends, we've been invited to party at Kurt's Bar where it will be an all-country night. When SMRA visits, the staff at Kurt's Bar always makes us feel welcome! They even move their furniture to make room for country dancing! SMRA always has a good time at Kurt's!

To find out more about SMRA's special rate at a local motel, please send an email to membership@ smra.net. Get a group together and plan to play with the cowboys and cowgirls at PLAY DAY!

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

Click here to see the current issue of Pony AdPress

ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE

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.

The roper is mounted on horseback with one end of his or her rope tied to the saddle horn by a piece of string. When the calf is released from the chute, the roper will be in hot pursuit with lasso swirling above his or her head. When the loop is thrown, it must pass completely over the calf's head. As the calf pulls away from the rider and horse, the rope grows taut and will break away from the saddle horn.