The 25th Annual RoadRunner Regional Rodeo

Buckle up! The 2010 RoadRunner Regional Rodeo comes out of the chute President’s Day Weekend, February 13 &14. As one of the largest GLBT rodeo event in the southwest, the event attracts rodeo fans and contestants from all over the country. Gates open at 8 a.m. with poll bending, chute dogging, roping and racing events, goat dressing, bronc riding and steer riding among the hotly-contested events. However, the ultimate event of the rodeo is bull riding. This is an advanced version of steer riding, but with a one-half ton more beef to contend with and the added danger that many bulls turn back on the rider and attempt to get even for having their routine disrupted.

Have no fear, the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) imposes specified rules, which are strictly enforced, and penalizes any contestant found to be guilty of inhumane treatment of animals, the least of which is their immediate disqualification from further competition. Gay rodeos operate under greatly modified rules of straight rodeo while still preserving this American tradition. Although consisting of traditional rodeo events, rodeo activities have been tailored to provide the animal and human participants with the safest environment possible, while still demonstrating the skill of the contestant. Besides the usual events, the RoadRunner Regional Rodeo will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. According to the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA), it all started in 1982, when a small group traveled to the Reno rodeo and Tish Tanner won the title of Miss Reno National Gay Rodeo. Arizona came to life in the fall of 1984 when John decided to open a second Charlie’s in Phoenix. The bar opened in early November and since John and Kenny Cunitz lived and breathed rodeo, it was only a matter of weeks before AGRA formed. In December 1984 the new group targeted January of 1986 for their first rodeo. Arizona became the fifth state to host a gay rodeo and the event took place in the most unique arena facility on the south side of Phoenix: a Mexican Charro rodeo arena with an attached dance hall known as the Corona Ranch. AGRA is one of the 5 founding members of the International Gay Rodeo Association and priveleged to hold the Arizona heat for the International Rodeo league. As part of the International Gay Rodeo Association, the RoadRunner Regional Rodeo raises and donates to charities throughout Arizona. This year the following organizations will be benefiting from the event:

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Phoenix Chapter. PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy.

The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network invites the religious community to join them in an informed, sensitive and compassionate response to those affected by HIV/AIDS. They work within faith communities to promote education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. . Susan G. Komen for the Cure Phoenix is one of 125 affiliates around the world and serves Central and Northern Arizona. The organization provides education, mammograms, screening and treatment for those in need.

The Community Church of Hope is a spiritual resource for the LGBT community in Phoenix. The church hosts support and advocacy groups such as AA, Affirmations, H.O.P.E. and One In Ten youth group. The Joshua Tree Feeding Program is dedicated to offering its clients a hot nourishing lunch, plentiful food to take home, and an opportunity to socialize in a compassionate and loving atmosphere. Spectators ranch

Friday night- Dinner/show $30.00 Includes cowboy cook out as well as cowboy karaoke finals all to be held at Rawhide along with contestant registration. There will be dancing the entire night. Entry for show/dancing only (meal not included ) is $8.00. Saturday – All day entry is $17.00. Includes night entertainment on the rodeo grounds. Watch the Web site for special guests, www. agra-phx.com. Sunday – $ 8.00 all day entry economy saver. Includes all rodeo events, entertainment events and awards ceremony at Rawhide. VIP All Access Weekend Pass – $50.00 Includes Dinner/Show Friday night, entry on both Saturday and Sunday. The RoadRunner Regional Rodeo, Feb. 12-14, at the Gila Indian Community Reservation at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 West North Loop Rd. in Chandler. Tickets range from $8-$100 and can be bought at arizonagayrodeo.eventbrite.com or on campgrounds on the day of the events. For more information visit www.agra-phx. com. Continued from page 1