Ride ’Em, Cowboy!
The 32nd Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo rides into town July 11
The Colorado Gay Rodeo Association (CGRA) is gearing up for its 32nd Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo (RMRR), and as one of the four founding associations for the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), it is one of their longest running.
Riding July 11 – 13 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden, Bruce Gros, who is secretary of the IGRA and does public relations for the CGRA, said that a gay rodeo is much like any other rodeo, with some minor adjustments.
“Men and women compete in every event in gay rodeo,” he said, adding that there are also some additional events such as steer decorating, goat dressing, and wild drag racing that are unique to the gay rodeo. In addition to advancing supportive rodeo, Bruce said that a large part of CGRA’s mission is to give back to local charities. Bruce mentioned that one of the biggest changes from last year’s rodeo is the way they set up the schedule for the events.
“This year, we will be trying something new in our rodeo,” he said. “Our Saturday performance is going to be split in two — half will compete in the morning in all the events, and half will compete in the evening in all the events.”
For spectators, this means you can either come for the first half and the fun events in the middle, or you can stay for the full day for the price of one ticket.
Bruce also added that anyone can register for the RMRR up until the start date of the rodeo. New members will not face a late fee at this time; currently registered members, however, will.
“Anybody is welcome, they don’t have to be gay. Straight people, questioning people, bisexual people, people who just like being around a fun, outdoor environment, and want to get their boots dirty in the mud with us, are welcome to come out to compete,” Bruce said.
To be invited to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Texas, competitors must be the best of the best in the 13 categories in the rodeo. In addition to running the World Gay Rodeo, this year the IGRA will be running the first ever rodeo at the Gay Games. Finals are held Oct. 16 – 19 in Fort Worth.
