The second issue coming up will be the nomination of the Charity Partners that SMRA will support for the upcoming year. We will be discussing this within the next few meetings and will have open nominations from the membership on charities that they would like to support next year. Please remember that any charity nominations should be able to provide their 501c3 paperwork prior to the vote by membership. After the charities have been contacted and accepted the nomination, each of them will have a chance to address the members prior to the vote to answer any questions you may have. Please keep a watch out for more on this election.

This past year I have seen a lot of changes within SMRA. We have started the Gay Ol' Opry, opened the Play Day to the public and had the clubs go further for us than before. The Nashville community lost one of the oldest clubs where SMRA met and played, but another door opened for us to start a new chapter and other opportunities to grow and reach other guys and gals in our area. Nashville is working on it's own community center that has also stepped up for us in our time of need. SMRA will always pull together to get the job done! Our Charity Partners have been more involved with our group by coming out to support our events, personal donations and even adding our web address and newsletter to their community information. Such progress and we can only move forward from here!

Please keep in mind the upcoming nominations and plan to attend the meetings so your vote will be counted. Members, please make certain that the Membership Committee has your current mailing address so that you are sure to get the ballots for upcoming elections. There will be more information coming to you as a members as the time grows near.

Grigsby White, President

As the IGRA Rodeo Season draws to a close with Finals in Denver October 12th -14th, SMRA is ramping up for one of the busiest times of the year. The holiday season offers the opportunity to focus on fundraising, rodeo and Western Lifestyle educational outreach, and our charities. Let's all keep involved and take advantage of the season on behalf of our charity partners.

From the Rodeo front, our last two regular rodeos were completed in Austin and Las Vegas September 21st-23rd. While attending the Las Vegas Rodeo, I was able to witness, firsthand, one of our newest members compete in Steer Riding for the first time. Chad B. took 4th place on Sunday! Chad serves as an example of how folks can easily get out on the circuit and compete. Of course, Steer Riding isn't for everyone, but there are a lot of events to choose from. I'd recommend giving Goat Dressing or Chute Dogging a try as a first timer. Get out - Get Involved.

Tam Keltner, Trustee

On Saturday, September 1, 2007, Blue Gene's 37203 on Church Street in Nashville, hosted it's first SMRA Rodeo Night Fundraiser. As in the past, the evening began with country line dance lessons at 8:00 p.m. and continued with a beer bust at 10:00 p.m. featuring Bud Light. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Charity Partners of SMRA.

A large crowd enjoyed the dance floor that Blue Gene's installed for the occasion and danced to country karaoke as well as favorite country hits. Special thanks to Terry F. for teaching the dances and to all the staff at Blue Gene's for making SMRA and its guests feel welcome.

Mark your calendars and JOIN THE FUN on the first Saturday of the month throughout 2007 as Blue Gene's welcomes the SMRA gang back for Rodeo Night Fundraisers!

The next Rodeo Night Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2007 with country line dance lessons beginning at 8:00 p.m. followed by a beer bust at 10:00 p.m. and more! Don't miss it!

I grew up on a dairy farm in North Carolina, and was not exposed to rodeo that much. But, being a southern country boy, I always had an interest in it. Now that I'm older (I'm not saying how old) I finally get my chance to give it a try. I was fortunate to meet a gentleman during my trip to the Denver rodeo, who is a past Champion and still active in the rodeo. He offered to teach me a little about steer/bull riding and to use his rigging for my first go. So naturally I jumped at the chance.

I flew to Las Vegas, and met up with my mentor at the Big Horn Rodeo. We went over the rigging, safety, some maneuvers, and other things for about two hours Saturday morning before my first ride. That was the first time I'd ever had a bull rope in my hands! Then, it was time to give it a go. I didn't realize just how much went on behind the chutes, and how much chatter there is around you while you're sitting in the chute with the animal. It takes concentration to block it all out, and get yourself where you need to be. Saturday's ride was pretty quick, and I ended up with "no time". But that short ride was enough to give me a sense of what I needed to be doing to stay on. So Sunday I made sure that I was ready in my head, and my body, before giving the nod. I'm sure it wasn't a picture perfect ride, but I stayed on and covered my ride. I ended up in 4th place for the day! Which is something that I didn't expect to do for quite a few rides in the future.

So now I'm completely hooked. I'm planning to compete in several rodeos next year, and hope to improve. I can't say enough about how helpful everyone in IGRA was to me. Not only the crew but the other competitors, and the guys at SMRA as well. I know I live a few hours away from the action, but I hope to get to meet all of the SMRA folks real soon.

Chad aka "Smurf"

SMRA's tradition of all-country music fundraising shows continued on Sunday, September 16th with Gay Ol' Opry V. This musical evening, hosted by Club Blu and featuring both live entertainment and illusionists was, as always, a great time! The acoustics were wonderful and all of the performers did an excellent job!

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Charity Partners of Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

Special thanks to all the performers who donated their time and talent, to the staff at Club Blu for their hospitality, to Jack M. for acting as emcee, and all the members of the Fundraising Committee that worked so hard to make the evening a success.

Mark your calendars for Gay Ol' Opry VI - A Holiday Spectacular to be held at Club Blu on Sunday, December 16, 2007. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Don't miss it!

The committee currently has several activities going on. One of the first and foremost activities of the committee is to find a venue suitable for hosting the rodeo. Other important activities of the committee include recommending dates and a name for the rodeo, developing a budget outline, and outlining tasks that need to be done in preparation for a rodeo. The final action of the committee will to deliver a report to SMRA documenting the work in early 2008. This work will lead to the formation of a Rodeo Planning Committee that will likely begin in 2008.

Check SMRA's Calendar for upcoming meeting times. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate.

Hey everyone,

The AIDS Walk is THIS SATURDAY! We have surpassed our financial and team member goals! WAY TO GO EVERYONE!

Those of you on the team should have already received your donation envelopes. I have received extra envelopes if anyone out there would like one. Just let me know!

You can always make donations on-line up to the day of the walk on October 6th or you can bring your donations with you to the walk. Please Follow This Link to make a general donation under SMRA and help us in our efforts to support Nashville CARES.

You know what else....you don't have to raise tons of money or any money to be part of this. Just sign up and come walk with us. It's a great experience. You let all of Nashville know you are in support of this great cause!

We would still love to have you on our team. If you wanna join us, just go to http://www.nashvilleaidswalk.com/, click on "Register" at the top of the page, join the SMRA Team.

Registration begins at 10:00am in the center of Centennial Park. You can't miss it! You will see numerous tents and a stage set up in the park. The actual walk begins at 12:00pm. I will be there at 11:00am to get registered. So be looking for my red Mr. SMRA 2007 sash. I hope I won't be on crutches, I'll keep ya posted on that one! LOL We will all get together and walk together.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at jameswall77 @yahoo.com.

Your Bud,
Justin James
Mr. SMRA 2007

Once again its time to think about our leadership for the upcoming year. Elections of 2008 officers will take place at the December General Membership Meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2007.

Nominations will be accepted beginning at the October meeting (10/06/07) and will close at the November meeting (11/03/07). Nominations may be made in person at these meetings or by e-mail . Members in good standing will receive ballots via USPS shortly thereafter.

2007 has been a year of growth and change and 2008 holds the same promise!!! Please give serious consideration for our Officers and Executive Board and plan to get involved.

Todd Ryan
Elections Chair

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2006, everyone is invited to stop by Illusions II at 339 Wilhagen Road in Nashville to learn more about SMRA and what it's all about. Grab a drink, meet some members and learn about gay rodeo and the work that SMRA does for its Charity Partners. Enjoy country music, happy hour prices, and special snacks!

Steve Bloodworth is a native Tennessean that still lives on the same small spot of land where he was born and raised. In 1993, Steve moved to Denver where he saw his first gay rodeo. Eventually, he moved back to Tennessee to spend time and care for his elderly parents. It was in September 2006, right before SMRA hosted IGRA's 2006 Convention in Nashville that Steve became a member. Being a part of convention and learning more about how things work sparked Steve's interest even more and he believes that meeting members who are passionate about rodeo only adds to his own developing infatuation for it. Steve is presently serving as SMRA's Fundraising Committee's Co-Chair and on the Membership Committee for 2007. He is proud to be competing for the title of Mr. SMRA 2008 and enjoys his work with the Royalt y Team.

SMRA's Membership Committee is looking for an active member to serve as Assistant Editor. This volunteer will be a part of the creation, distribution, storage and maintenance of the association's monthly e-newsletter as well as other mass email projects as assigned.

This position involves the use of specialized online software that allows for maintenance and storage of distribution lists, templates, etc. So applicants can work from any location that has internet access.

Qualifications include excellent grammar skills and familiarity with digital photography as well as an ability to set and meet deadlines.

Interested members should contact membership@ smra.net for additional information.

Through an annual Convention of its Member Associations, the IGRA has evolved a code of fellowship and good sportsmanship including the provision of standardized rules and resources for the production of rodeo events. IGRA-sanctioned rodeos are hosted by local associations each year and culminate in an IGRA Finals Rodeo where the top 20 contestants in each event compete for the title of IGRA International Champion.

The International Gay Rodeo Association 2007 Finals Rodeo is fast approaching. Make plans now to see the Best of the Best Cowboys and Cowgirls on the Gay Rodeo Circuit in Denver, Colorado, October 12-14, 2007. This year's rodeo, hosted by the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, will be held at the National Western Stock Show Events Center, a World Class facility and Denver's Premiere Show Place. Host hotel accommodations are available at the Denver Warwick Hotel, situated in Denver's trendy Uptown neighborhood. For more information, visit w ww.igrafinalsrodeo.com.

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.

A specially designed collection of leather and cinches used for this event is called a "bareback riggin." Compared to the bull rope, this one is really tied on to the animal and has a built-in hand hold. Another difference is that the rider must start the ride with both of his or her feet extended forward over the horse's shoulders and on the first leap out of the chute, "rake" backwards toward the horse's rump. If the rider misses this, called "marking out", it does not matter how great the rest of the ride is, he or she will receive a DQ. If the rider is lucky enough to make the 6 seconds, he or she may be plucked to safety as the two "pick-up men" move in and attempt to rescue the rider from his or her bucking mount. Contestants may elect to ride two-handed from start to finish, but will also receive a lower score.