DEAN WALTON, aka Auntie De', a native of Utah is an accomplished floral designer. He has had the opportunity to design and decorate for many distinguished heads of state, as well as President Ronald Regan. His talents, and ambitions have not just stopped there. Auntie De' has always been one to jump right in and make things happen. He became involved in the court system in 1976 during the second reign, thus began his involvement in the gay/lesbian community. He was named Empress VIII and was the beginning of many firsts as he started the annual pig roast and high heel race, he started the scholarship fund, which continues even today. He helped to start, and was the co-chair for the gay/lesbian Business Association as well as co-chair for the community center as it was just beginning. Auntie De' worked hard for the community as a liaison to the Salt lake City Police and Help line. Later on he began an annual tradition in the community known as Salute to Cowboys. It was a fundraising event that helped to shine a light on a different group of people, those with a little bit of country in them. No one wanted to miss the event mainly because of the outrageous WHIPPED CREAM AUCTION. Thousands of dollars have been raised over the years, and today that tradition continues as Auntie De' has allowed Salute to Cowboys to become UGRA's annual year end party and given UGRA national attention on the rodeo circuit. Over the past few years the money has gone towards the UGRA to help make this our first rodeo possible.

We as an association are very proud to recognize Auntie De' as Grand Marshal and sincerely thank him for his contributions to the community as a whole.

KEVIN HILLMAN, a long standing member of the UGRA and the gay community has given his all over the past 11 years. As a member of UGRA he has believed in the association and stood behind it. He has served as a leader to the organization in many capacities, from president, to royalty to his current position as treasure. He has been a delegate to many IGRA conventions, where he has taken and active part in many of the decision making processes within the organization, as well as within UGRA. His never ending commitment to UGRA is one of true courage and inspiration.

Originally from Idaho Kevin came to Utah in 1989, where he now works for the postal service. His dedication to his job and community are unremarkable. Kevin has always been a "founding father and go getter", as he has been there since the beginning of many of the programs and happenings in Salt lake today. He has served on the Community Council, Pride Committee, Utah Aids Foundation, Walk for life Campaign, and many others. He volunteers as an educator in the community, going to various schools to teach students about HIV/AIDS and safe sex practices. His frankness and upfront attitude towards the disease is definitely one of commendability. As an innovator Kevin continues to come up with new flavors for the infamous UGRA Jell-o Shots, which have become a favorite at the annual Oscar Gala as well as other fund raising events through out the city.

We as an association are very proud to recognize Kevin Hillman as Grand Marshal and sincerely thank him for his many outstanding contributions to us as an organization. Without him and his fortitude we would not be here today as we make this,one of his dreams a reality.