I would like to extend a big cowboy "Thank You" to every person who helped make Atlantic Stampede 2000 one of the best we have ever had. Each of you was a key to our success. All the hard work and long days and nights have paid off. ASGRA will be able to make some very nice contributions to our favorite charities this year and again it is all because of Team ASGRA. I am proud to be your President. You guys and gals are the best! Please take a minute to say thank you to Paul McCaffrey and Billy Collison for organizing and executing our grand 2000 rodeo. The rodeo director and assistant spend close to a year pulling the rodeo together. They coordinate every aspect and keep us all on target. These 2 cowboys both did us proud again.

But remember that one or two people don't make a rodeo. It takes a dedicated team like ASGRA. Please give yourself a big pat on the back! By the time you receive this newsletter you will hopefully have joined us for the annual ASGRA Awards where we formally recognize all our volunteers. I look forward to an exciting and fun Atlantic Stampede 2001 rodeo and hope to see you all there.

It is with much regret that I announce the early resignation of Mr. Michael Benner as our Trustee. Mike has served ASGRA proudly this past year. We will miss your service as our Trustee but will continue to value you as one of our own. Thank you Mr. Benner.

I have appointed Mr. Les Boggs as interim ASGRA Trustee until a special election can be held. As a past President, Vice President, an active competitor and a recipient of last year's Golden Lariat Award, Les is extremely qualified to fill this position. Please join me in welcoming him aboard in his new capacity as our Trustee. You have our support, Les. Thank you for stepping in to help.

As we move into the winter months, don't forget to join us at one of the many social events that ASGRA sponsors. We have ASGRA nights at the DC Eagle, Sheridan's, The Hunt Club and now at The Stagecoach in Baltimore, as well as many other fun opportunities to party, dance and raise money for some very worthy organizations. Come on out and join us!

David C. H, President ASGRA

Tell me a little bit about ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls.
ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls is an all women's outreach organization to help bring in more women to Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association by dancing. Every East Coast Cowgirl is a member of ASGRA. We have 16 members, ten active and six reserve, and we're still recruiting new members.

About that, how does one become a member of ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls? You can contact either Steph Spears or me; come to one of our performances or rehearsals and talk with us. We do not discriminate. We take all levels of dancers. There are not tryouts or requirements other than to be a member of the Cowgirls you have to be a member of ASGRA.

And a woman.
Not necessarily. Only women can dance with the Cowgirls, but men can be a part of East Coast Cowgirls as well, and you don't necessarily have to want to dance to be involved with the group either. You can help out at our fundraising and performances by selling raffle tickets or Jell-O shooters. You can sponsor wardrobe - pins, hats, etc. You can help us promote the country-western lifestyle to the GLBT community.

Where did you get the idea for ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls? Hoedown. The DC Cowboys were there and they were wearing black and red costumes, which is what I was also wearing that night. Somebody came up to me and said how wonderful it was that a woman was going to be performing with them. And that made me think, "Why is there no women's group?" On the way home Steph and I started to think about it and talk about it; about how ASGRA is an organization for men and women, and the next morning we came up with ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls. 24 hours later we had a choreographer (Jerry and Sandy Thompson of Red River Western Wear) and 48 hours later we had ten women as part of the group.

I want to go back to something you mentioned earlier, that ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls is an outreach group to bring more women into ASGRA. Do you think that there is a perception that ASGRA is an all-male organization? Yes. I certainly felt that way. Two years ago, Ms. ASGRA 1999, Lonni La Bel, wanted me to run as Ms. ASGRA for 2000, and I was reluctant because she was the only woman I saw.

What helped to change that perception?
I eventually became a member of the Social and Entertainment Committee. I took part in Pride in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC and I began to see that there are other women that are part of the organization.

What would you say to a woman who is part of the Country-Western lifestyle and wants to be a part of ASGRA, but feel reluctant because it seems "boys only"? Come to one of our events. Come see family. Come and see men and women socializing and interacting with each other, and most of all, having fun.

And part of that fun comes from the Cowgirls.
Well, dancing is fun and approachable. People love and relate to it.

Do ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls give back to the community in any way?
Yes, definitely. We volunteer and entertain at other fundraisers; the Academy, ASGRA Nights at Sheridan's, within the drag king and queen community and recently we held a fundraiser where part of the money went to sponsor Annie's Dance.

I've heard of Annie's Dance, what exactly is that?
Annie's dance is a primarily women's dance held once a month. The money raised from the dance goes to charities in the women's community.

Wow, that's a lot of fundraising going on.
Well, we all believe in the same thing - helping others at the "cost" of having fun.

Is that one of the best things about being an East Coast Cowgirl?
That plus you get to meet new people. If you're shy, it's a great way to get over your shyness. And everyone brings something to the group, whether it's the knowledge of a certain dance step, management, posture, smiles, whatever. In the end that is what makes us a team.

What do you foresee for the future of ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls? I see the group getting bigger. I see 25 to 30 women performing all at once. I see us recruiting and bringing in more women to ASGRA than there have ever been. Our goal is to have every woman on the East Coast recognize the Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association.

ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls will be appearing:
November 12th at Club 55 in Washington, DC
November 15th at Hunt Club in Alexandria, VA
November 24th Sheridan's in Washington, DC
November 29th Remingtons in Washington, DC

Come be a part of the hottest dance troupe in town! For information contact MaDonna Medina (mmedina703@aol.com) or Steph Spears (srspears@worldnet.att.net). For additional performances of the cowgirls and a complete list of all ASGRA's events visit www.asgra.org or call 202-547-4540.
Patrick Hunter

On Friday, October 27th ASGRA will be scaring up some fun with its Country Star Costume Contest as part of our monthly ASGRA Night at Sheridan's (713 8th Street, SE). Think you look like Kenny Chesney? Someone told you that you have voice of Wynonna, the butt of George Strait or the shake of Neal McCoy? Well, then this is the contest for you! Grand Prize is $100 and costumes can be anything from look-a-likes to something humorous or creative about your favorite country star. We'll also have Pauly's famous Jell-O shooters and be passing out trick n' treat bags.

For November's ASGRA Night on Friday, November 24th, we'll be having our Western Wear Fashion Show. Looking for new duds to wear at that holiday season party, or a unique gift to give to that special someone? Then you want to attend this night! Local area Western Wear apparel stores will be showing off their finest items for the season with modeling help from ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls. Some of DC's finest Drag King and Queen talents will be performing. Plus - the ever-popular dollar dance.

And on the horizon for December… those East Coast Cowgirls have plans in the works to kick up their heels with our members at a holiday dance. Details are forthcoming, so be sure to check the ASGRA web site (www.asgra.org) as well as the hotline (202-547-4540) or e-mail asgranight@hotmail.com for further info.

As always we'll also be hosting our monthly trail rides as long as the weather holds, along with the bi-monthly DC Eagle Bar Nights, giving y'all plenty to do over the fall and winter months!
Patrick Hunter

Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle (14th & M St, NW)
Washington, DC
1-800-424-1140
202-842-1300

Conference Registration:
Before Nov 15, 2001: $60 Nov 16 - Jan. 1, 2001: $70
After Jan 1 or at the door: $90 Student/Low-income: $45
Work exchanges are available. Contact us to volunteer!
Registration by Mail closes January 15, 2001

For more information, contact:
The American Boyz at (410) 620-2161 or via email at amboyz@iximd.com
Or Conference Co-Chair Mike Sanders at HoobieOne@aol.com

October
22 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
25 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
27 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Sheridan's - Country Star Costume Contest
29 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
November
1 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
5 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
8 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
8 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
10 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Stage Coach Saloon & Restaurant, Baltimore
12 10:30am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD
12 3:00pm East Coast Cowgirls at Club 55 (Academy - Rhinestone Review)
12 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
14 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; location TBD
15 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
15 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club featuring the East Coast Cowgirls
19 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
20 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, location TBD
22 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
24 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Sheridan's - Western Wear Fashion Show and performance by East Coast Cowgirls
26 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
29 9:00pm ASGRA Bar Night; DC Eagle
29 9:00pm Benefit for Food & Friends/SLDN at Remington's, featuring East Coast Cowgirls, DC Cowboys, ASGRA Royalty and more!
29 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's
TBD TBD General Membership Meeting; location TBD
December
3 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
4 midnight Newsletter submissions due
6 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; location TBD
6 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
8 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Stage Coach Saloon & Restaurant, Baltimore
10 10:30am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD (tentative)
13 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
13 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club featuring the East Coast Cowgirls
17 10:00pm Grand Illusions with Miss ASGRA 2000 and 2001 at Sheridan's
18 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, location TBD
20 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
22 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Sheridan's - Western Wear Fashion Show and performance by East Coast Cowgirls
27 9:00pm Queens of Country Music at Sheridan's, ASGRA Night at Hunt Club
TBD TBD General Membership Meeting; location TBD

Chicago, IL (August 25-27):
The Windy City initiated a new rodeo site along with a new hotel for this year's rodeo. Feelings were mixed about both and it sure felt like we were in Phoenix again with all the dust, but ASGRA's contestants had a great time partying with our Midwestern cousins and even did pretty well in the standings.

• ASGRA's chute doggers did a pretty respectable job, with Jason Kutz placing second and Don Horn placing fourth on Sunday and Sonny Koerner taking 7th on Saturday, 8th on Sunday to finish 2nd overall
• Don easily caught his calf on Sunday, taking 2nd place for the day
• Jason Kutz showed his horsemanship skills well, taking 3rd in Flags on Sunday, 3rd on Saturday and7th overall in Pole Bending and 2nd on Saturday, 1st on Sunday to place 1st over all in Barrel Racing
• ASGRA members gave it their all in the camp events as well. In Steer Deco Sonny Koerner teamed up with Mark Larson (NSGRA) to place 8th on Saturday and finish 6th place overall. Don Horn and Patrick Comfert (NSGRA) took first on Sunday and Les Boggs and Mark Nicks (TGRA) took 3rd that day as well.
• In Goat Dressing Sonny and Mark were a dynamic duo again, taking 3rd on Saturday, 5th on Sunday to finish 3rd overall in that event. Les and Don teamed up this time to place 4th on Sunday and 8th overall.
• Wild Drag certainly was wild outfit-wise (ask Les about his Shiitake Mushroom wig…)! Jason Kutz, Mark Larson (NSGRA) and Candy Pratt (TGRA) worked together to place 8th on Saturday, 5th on Sunday to finish 8th overall. Reddi Whip (aka Lonni La Bel) teamed up with Jim Brown (MIGRA) and Rick Simmons (CGRA) to take 3rd on Saturday, 4th on Sunday to finish up 3rd overall. Last but not least Jason, Les and Lauren (MIGRA) took 4th on Saturday, 2nd on Sunday to finish in second place overall
• Overall, Team ASGRA earned 860 points and placed 5th of 11 associations competing.

The trio of Reddi Whip (Lonni), Chuck Browning (AGRA) and Todd Tramp (GSGRA) battled a gravel-like arena and managed to place 4th in Wild Drag both days, finishing in third place overall
ASGRA made 70 points and 14th place overall among 15 competing associations.

Moving Atlantic Stampede up a month this year proved to be a very good idea. The weather cooperated beautifully, providing us with 2 days of sunny skies and warm temperatures and a lively and receptive crowd of fans to cheer on the competitors. ASGRA's home team made a fine showing in all categories!

• Cindy Brendle kicked things off by catching her calves and taking first place both days, thus cinching first place overall and the buckle in Calf Roping on Foot
  
• The cowboys did well in this category as well, with Dennis Terrell taking second on Saturday and third Sunday to finish up in 1st place with the buckle. Russell Schnitz took 3rd and Don Horn took 5th on Saturday while both Louis Varnado and Patrick Hunter caught for the first time on Sunday with Patrick taking 2nd and Louis taking 6th. Jason Kutz rounded things up by taking 7th Saturday, 5th Sunday and finishing in 4th place overall.
  
• In Chute Dogging, Janet Clemens did the women proud taking 3rd on Sunday. Oscar Mocelo placed 8th on Saturday in the same event, with Sonny Koerner and Lance Haverly taking 7th and 8th place respectively on Sunday. Don Horn took 7th place overall, while Dennis Terrell finished 3rd on Saturday and 5th on Sunday to take 3rd place overall. ASGRA President David H showed his steer exactly who was in charge, taking second place Saturday and first place Sunday to walk away with first place overall and the buckle.

Recent Royalty Doings:

• Your local IGRA Royalty has been busy and on the road at IGRA rodeos all summer, including visits to Sacramento, Chicago, Kansas City and San Diego during August and September.
• On September 9th ASGRA's 2001 Royalty was featured in the Baltimore Gay Life Styles. There was also a photograph of Ms. ASGRA 2001 as part of the newly-formed East Coast Cowgirls dance group.
• On the weekend of September 15th-18th a very successful promotional benefit show was held in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Ms. ASGRA 2001 was on hand to promote ASGRA, IGRA, the royalty program and the East Coast Cowgirls.
• Friday, September 22nd was a busy night for the new team. Mr. ASGRA 2001 participated in a Western Wear Fashion Show at the Stage Coach in Baltimore, while Ms. ASGRA 2001 & Miss ASGRA 2001 took part in ASGRA's monthly Fundraiser Friday at Sheridan's, selling Jell-O shooters and performing for the crowd.
• On Saturday September 30th the 2001 Royalty Team was welcomed by the D.C. Academy and walked with the Crown Holders at the Miss Gay DC America Contest at the DC Convention center.
• On October 1st 2000 and 2001 ASGRA Royalty performed at Sheridan's as part of the Grand Illusions show. ASGRA earned a new Lifetime member from Baltimore, who was referred by Ms. ASGRA 2001.
• On October 6th ASGRA Royalty 2001 participated in CAB weekend, donating a basket for the auction and selling Jell-O shooters at the BHT Fundraiser at Sheridan's that evening.
• Mr. ASGRA 2000 Sonny Koerner, Miss ASGRA 2000 Jymmye Jaymes and Ms. IGRA 2000 Lonni La Bel joined Mr. ASGRA 2001 and Ms. ASGRA 2001 to perform at the BHT Benefit at Sheridan's on October 13. The event was hosted by Ms. BHT Real Girl 2000 (and ASGRA member) Beth Brockelman.
• Ms. IGRA 2000 performed at the Heartland Gay Rodeo Association's Barn Dance fundraising event in Omaha, NE the weekend of October 7-8. Upcoming Events and Appearances:
• Miss ASGRA 2000 and Miss ASGRA 2001 co-host the Sunday evening shows at Sheridan's. This show, as well as the Wednesday evening Queens of Country Music show, frequently feature ASGRA and IGRA royalty performers.
• ASGRA's 1999, 2000 and 2001 royalty will all be performing at the ASGRA Annual Awards dinner on October 15 at the Hunt Club.
• Mr. ASGRA 2000 and Miss ASGRA 2000 will be competing for the IGRA Royalty 2001 titles in Albuquerque, NM on October 18-20. Ms. ASGRA 2001 and Miss ASGRA 2001 will also be in attendance. ASGRA's own IGRA title holders from the 2000 team - First Runner Up Miss IGRA 2000 Miss Patty Como, Mr. IGRA 2000 Daniel Lusk and Ms. IGRA 2000 Lonni La Bel will be stepping down from their titles at IGRA Finals as well, on October 20 and 21.
• Starting November 10, every second Friday of the month is ASGRA Night at the Stage Coach in Baltimore. ASGRA's Team 2001 has organized this event and will be on hand to host the evening. Along with door prizes and raffles, the crowd will get to enjoy a special show, featuring some of the best live and illusionist (male and female drag) country western performances! All monies raised will be donated to ASGRA.
• On November 29 the Capital Pride Royalty, ASGRA Royalty team 2001 and Remington's Royalty Team will be co-hosting a benefit at Remington's for Food and Friends and the SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network). The show will begin promptly at 9:30pm and will feature many different current and past titleholders in the city. There is no cover, but donations will be cheerfully accepted. In addition to the performers there will be a 50/50 raffle and the ever-popular Jell-O shooters.

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!