Greetings Cowboys and Cowgirls!

Things have been hopping in the ASGRA corral the past couple of months. I am very proud of the professional performance of our organization and its members this past year. I would like to thank everybody involved for 'taking the bull by the horns' and making all of our events happen. I would thank every person individually, but Lonni would shoot me! :

Please remember to look around now and then and thank those hard working fellow members that create, produce and execute the great events that we all enjoy so much and that keep us financially strong so we can help others. The ASGRA Annual Awards, MMOW, ASGRA Roughstock School, DC-Baltimore-New York Pride celebrations, Rodeo at Rehoboth, Hoe-down 2000, IGRA Convention 2000, ASGRA Playdays, ASGRA Bar nights, the ASGRA Royalty Competition and the many fabulous Royalty Fund Raisers were major demonstrations of the talents, strengths and dedication of our ASGRA family. We are the third largest gay rodeo association internationally and definitely among the most active.

Our Thirteen Spurs won the IGRA Media Award for the best rodeo newsletter internationally and our website received third place recognition among IGRA association web sites. Please extend a hearty congratulations on a job very well done to Lonni LaBel, our newsletter editor and Billy Collison, our web master when you see them. I am very proud to be serving as your President during this awesome period. Thank you to every member who gave of his/her time and energy this past year to make us a success. Please talk to your Board members and the ASGRA delegates to IGRA Convention to hear about how well "The Krispy Kreme Delegation" represented you. ASGRA was the driving force in making IGRA a more fully inclusive and non-discriminatory organization. You were represented well - Team ASGRA strikes again !

Our main fund raising event of the year is just around the corner - Atlantic Stampede 2000. If you have not already done so, please sign up and give ASGRA a portion of your rodeo weekend. You won't regret it. Only with your help can we continue to help others. Cowboy or cowgirl up! We have something for everybody, so don't be shy! Come out and join us for a fun filled weekend. See you at the rodeo !

David C. H, President ASGRA

It's not too late! Please remember to renew your ASGRA membership if you have not already done so. ASGRA's continued success is dependent on your renewal, and we encourage you to get involved! I would like to thank all of those members who have already taken the time to renew their memberships and to our newest members who are just joining us for the first time. Welcome aboard!

Congratulations to our new Premium Membership holders! So far this year, we have several members who have taken advantage of our new premium membership offerings and deserve a BIG thank you and a little recognition to boot!

Our first LIFETIME MEMBER is A. Scott Bullitt!! Congratulations Scott!

Our NEW Silver Spur Membership holders are:
Joseph Lipani
Charles L. Vincent
Michael Lekas
Sherrye Eaton
Mikel Ross

Thanks again to all of these folks. Their continued involvement and support of ASGRA is GREATLY appreciated.

I would also like to thank both ASGRA Treasurer Steven Haber and ASGRA Secretary Gaither Pennington for their help in processing the incoming mail and getting the renewals to me. It takes many hands to make an organization such as ASGRA work, and I appreciate their efforts on behalf of the Membership Committee.

See you all at Atlantic Stampede 2000!

Tim Bills, ASGRA Membership Chair 2000

By the time you read this, any advance order for Stampede Tickets should be filled. Tickets for all Stampede events are still available several ways:

• through the ASGRA web page (www.asgra.org)
• through the mail via the brochure available throughout the DC metro area
• downloadable from the web page
• at all Lambda Rising locations as well as Lammas Women's Bookstore.

This is will be my last article as the Public Relations Chair for the Rodeo Year 2000. First of all, I want to say it has been an honor to work with this year's Board of Directors, ASGRA's General Membership, and all of the Volunteers throughout the year. These individuals have dedicated a large amount of their personal time in what will be another successful Atlantic Stampede! In particular, I would like to offer my personal gratitude to Patrick Hunter for taking charge of the PR Committee while I was wrapping up my final semester (and preparing for graduation) of Graduate School. I would also like to take the time to acknowledge the other PR Committee members: Billy Collison, Don Horn, Sonny Koerner (Mr. ASGRA 2000), and Mark Whiting. A big THANK YOU!

By the time you get this, we'll be just days before our 9th Annual Atlantic Stampede 2000 (September 8-10). The T-shirts and lapel pins have been ordered and on hand, and will be sold at the ASGRA Merchandise booth all weekend long. The T-shirts are $15 each, and the pins will be sold for $5. ASGRA merchandise, notably association shirts and pins will be available as well. If you ordered your ASGRA Red Shirt, you will be able to pick them up at the ASGRA booth as well. The Rodeo Program is back from the printers, and you can pick up your complimentary copy at the rodeo fairgrounds or at the Hyatt during the Friday and Saturday dances. In summary, Public Relations work for Atlantic Stampede 2000 is at an end, and it has been a wonderful ride!

But WAIT - this PR Committee ain't quite done yet - there's a lot of work to do for our 10th Anniversary Atlantic Stampede 2001! We're still working towards our goal of having the logo, theme, and printed materials ready for IGRA Finals 2000 (October 19-22 in Albuquerque, NM) at the latest. Atlantic Stampede 2001 will be held on September 7-9, which is (again) the first weekend AFTER Labor Day. This year's committee as well as next year's will definitely need help in planning and publicizing this yearlong celebration. Contact John Stortz if you're interested in joining the team!

I just want to highlight some of the key goals for this committee. The number one priority was to get the general membership involved with the day-to-day PR work. The PR Committee carries a challenging workload. To be truly effective we need additional proactive members in all corners of DE, MD, DC, and VA. I ask you, the general membership, to get involved with the PR (or any other) committee. It's a lot of work at times, but the camaraderie and long lasting friendships make it very worthwhile.

Another goal for this rodeo year included enhancing the ASGRA Web Site to get more information out to the public and general membership at large. It is my pleasure to announce that ASGRA's Web Site was voted by IGRA as the 3rd best (of 20 associations). I can personally vouch that Billy Collison, our Webmaster, has spent a lot of time maintaining the site.

The committee also moved forward with a contest to develop the Stampede 2000 and Stampede 2001 logos. Unfortunately, we ended up going with a graphics design company to produce the 2000 artwork because of time constraints. As for the 2001 logo, a contest was offered back in the June-July timeframe, but there were no submissions entered. We're fine tuning the artwork as you read this, and you should catch the first glimpses at Stampede 2000. Finally, when developing the Rodeo Program, the committee contacted new organizations and businesses for advertising purposes. In some cases, we didn't give the "industry giants" enough lead-time, as some require 4-12 months advance notice. These companies will be contacted for next year's program as well as getting letters from the White House and members of Congress for our 2001 Rodeo Program.

Thanks again for the vote of confidence to be your PR Chair this year. I did my best to serve the general membership of this Association. I'm looking forward to seeing each of you during the Atlantic Stampede 2000 - Let's Rodeo!

John Stortz, Public Relations Chair

ASGRA will hold its annual election for the 2000 - 20001 association year on October 15. All active members in good standing with at least six months of continuous membership are eligible to run for office this year. The following Offices are up for election:

Executive Board (Two year term):
Vice President
Secretary

Committee Chairperson (One year term):
Fund Raising and Sponsorship
Membership
Rodeo Events and Training
Public Relations
Social and Entertainment

Members wishing to run for office must submit a written biography listing their qualifications for the nominated office by Wednesday, September 20th. The information in the biography serves as a helpful reminder to members familiar with the candidate's background and as an important introduction to members who are unfamiliar with the candidate. Format

• The biography should be typed on one 8½ x 11 page. Handwritten and extra pages will be included in the election packet although it is recommended that candidates remain professional and concise.
• Biographies will be reproduced for the election packet as they are received. The Elections Committee will not correct misspellings, editorial errors and other visual distractions. It is important to ensure accuracy before submitting the final version.
• Use standard fonts, sizes and features. Fancy fonts (e.g. script) can be distracting for people. Excessive use of bold and other features can also distract from the content of the biography.

• Remember you are writing to members who may or may not know you. Candidates should not assume that the reader is familiar with his or her experience in ASGRA.
• Keep all information relevant and concise. The biography is only meant as a guide to members about a specific candidate and a specific office. Stay brief and on target.
• Remember that experience need not be limited to ASGRA activities. They should include any relevant professional or extracurricular experience.
• Suggested heading for biography is "I, [candidate's name], am a candidate for the ASGRA Office of [office title].
• Answer the following questions in order and include questions on the form. Maintaining similar order among all the biographies will make it easier for members to review all of them.

1. What experience do you bring to this position?
2. What do you expect to accomplish in this position?
3. How do you expect to interact with the rest of the Board?
4. How do you expect to interact with the general membership?
5. What is your perception of the requirements of this position? How do you anticipate fulfilling the stated requirements?

Remember: The deadline for submission of biographies is Wednesday, September 20th. Please send your biographies to:
Election Chairperson
P.O Box 14308
Washington, DC 20044

Wednesday night is C&W night at the Hunt Club. All ASGRA members get a 10% discount on food and Happy Hour prices on drinks ALL NIGHT LONG. Once a month Miss ASGRA 2000 co-hosts a C&W variety show, beginning at 9:30pm. For more info contact the Hunt Club. The Hunt Club is located at 2249 Huntington Avenue, 2 blocks from the Huntington Metro.

September
3 4:00pm General Membership Meeting; Hyatt Regency
3 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
5 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; Hyatt Regency Hotel
6 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
7 4:00pm ASGRA Royalty 2001 Competition begins
7 Atlantic Stampede 2000 Kickoff Parties at Remington's and Sheridan's
8-10 Atlantic Stampede 2000, Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Hyatt Regency Capital Hill
10 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
13 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
13 9:00pm ASGRA Bar Night; DC Eagle (tentative)
13 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
16 Richmond Pride Festival, Richmond, VA
17 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
18 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, upstairs at Mr. Henry's
20 8:00pm Rodeo Events and Training Committee Meeting
20 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
20 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
21 7:00pm PR Committee Meeting
27 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club

October
1 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
4 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; Hyatt Regency Hotel
4 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
8 10:00am Trail Ride; location TBD
8 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
9 Newsletter Submissions due by midnight
11 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
11 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
15 TBD General Membership Meeting and Awards Event 2000; Hunt Club, Alexandria, VA
15 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
16 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, Lonni's home (time to fold, spindle and mutilate another issue out the door)
18 8:00pm Rodeo Events and Training Committee Meeting
18 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
18 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
19 7:00pm PR Committee Meeting
22 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's
25 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
29 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 at Sheridan's

Is your horse getting enough exercise? New ASGRA Member and East Coast Cowgirl Jennifer Rubenstein would love to help exercise and take care of your horse. She comes here from California with spare time, a big heart and basic horsemanship skills. Write her to see if it's a match!!

San Jose, CA (June 16-18):
It was time for some fun in the west coast sun as several ASGRA members headed out to the Bay Area Rodeo. Unfortunately, no ASGRA contestants placed at this rodeo, but we sure had a great time with our California cousins!

Omaha, NE (June 23-25):
Welcome to tornado season! Heartland Rodeo 2000 had the dubious distinction of being the first rodeo in the 18-year history of IGRA to cancel events due to severe weather conditions. Tornadoes and lightning sent contestants and spectators alike scurrying for safe cover on Sunday afternoon. ASGRA's contestants kicked up quite a storm of their own as well:

Patrick Hunter showed off his roping skills, catching his first calf and placing 3rd on Sunday in Calf Roping on Foot
ASGRA's women steer riders ruled, with Cindy Brendle taking 2nd place overall and Lonni La Bel (aka Reddi Whip) covering her first ride and placing first overall to take the buckle
Speaking of firsts, Oscar Mocelo covered his first bull ride and took both a first place overall and the buckle
Roughstock seemed to cooperate with Oscar in several events, as he took 4th place in Steer Riding on Sunday and 3rd place that same day in Chute Dogging ASGRA stayed busy in the camp events as well, with the team of Lance Haverly and Oscar Mocelo placing 2nd on Saturday in Goat Dressing to finish in 2nd place overall
Lance and Jennifer Vrana of SEGRA teamed up in Steer Deco and managed to take 6th place on Saturday and 8th on Sunday to place 5th overall in that event The ASGRA trio of Lance Haverly, Oscar Mocelo and Lonni La Bel battled knee deep mud on Saturday and managed to place 7th in Wild Drag, finishing in that same position overall
Altogether ASGRA racked up a respectable 450 team points and 6th place overall among 15 competing associations

Calgary, AB, Canada (June 30-July 2)
Well, if HGRA made history with their canceled rodeo events, ARGRA did just the opposite, with the first rodeo in its seven year history where it actually was sunny and beautiful weather both days. A little early morning thunderstorm muddied things up a bit for the start of things on Saturday, but that quickly dried up.

Don Horn didn't let a little mud deter him, starting things off with a 2nd place catch in Calf Roping on Foot on Saturday
Lonni La Bel got a taste of victory as well taking first place in Calf Roping on Foot on Sunday morning
Don then teamed up with Todd Tramp from GSGRA to take second place in Steer Deco both days, finishing in first place overall
Don and Todd seemed to be a pretty good team in Goat Dressing as well, taking 2nd place Saturday, 6th on Sunday to finish up in 4th place overall
On Sunday the trio of Todd, Don and Lonni managed to get a Calgary heifer to play nice and took 6th place in Wild Drag
ASGRA finished up with a solid 305 team points and 7th place out of the 9 associations in attendance

Recent Royalty Doings:

• Mr. IGRA 2000 had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Bay Area Regional Rodeo in San Jose, CA on the weekend of June 16-18.
• On Friday June 30, Mr. ASGRA 2000, Sonny Koerner, hosted a fundraiser at Sheridan's to benefit AIDS Walk and Food & Friends. A combination of events and activities, including an indoor bar rodeo, entertainment, and several auctions of exciting prizes combined to raised over $2100 for these worthy organizations.
• Sheridan's was the site for the annual Brandy Dover Memorial Christmas in July benefit for Grandma's House on July 10. Co-hosted by Blair Michaels and Miss ASGRA 2000, Jymmye Jaymes, it featured performances by several top female illusionists as well as Ms. IGRA 2000, Lonni La Bel. We raised $1200 for the organization.
• Ms. IGRA 2000 had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Miss Capital City pageant at Sheridan's on July 17.
• Both Mr. ASGRA 2000 and Miss ASGRA 2000 performed to a full house at the monthly Country Western show at the Hunt Club in Alexandria, VA on August 9.
• On Thursday, August 17, Mr. IGRA 2000, Daniel Lusk hosted the 2nd annual Summer Heat fundraiser at Remington's. The evening was co-hosted by Miss Remington's 2000, Courtney Lovelace and was a fun mix of live singers, illusionist talent, drink specials, auction prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Over $700 was raised to benefit MetroTeen AIDS.

Grand Illusions is Back on Capitol Hill at Sheridan's!

The 'chicken ranch' is back in business every Sunday night when Miss ASGRA 2000, Jymmye Jaymes and Miss Blair Michaels co-host a fast, fun and furious C&W show for your enjoyment. Producer Terrie Santana is continually locating the finest in illusionist and live performers from all over the country for the weekly festivities. The show begins at 10pm with a short dance break between acts and following. For more details, contact Jymmye or Sheridan's.

Miss ASGRA 2000, Miss IGRA 2000 First Runner Up and Ms. IGRA 2000 perform regularly at the "Queens of Country Music" shows at Sheridan's. Mr. ASGRA 2000 and Mr. IGRA 2000 co-host the monthly "Best Dressed Cowboy" contest there as well. Come on out and support your local and international royalty teams!

ASGRA's Royalty team works hard to educate the public on rodeo, ASGRA, IGRA and C&W lifestyle, as well as to raise funds for charity. We tip our hats to you and encourage you to continue your fine support and enthusiasm!