Florida Agenda

By Phoebe Moses

The Florida Gay Rodeo Association’s (FGRA) Sunshine Stampede returns this weekend—Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22—to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie. The event will feature close to 100 contestants from throughout North America, competing in 13 rodeo events.

In addition to the contestants, organizers anticipate roughly 5,000 spectators to attend the weekend rodeo and its collateral events, FGRA’s largest yearly fundraising opportunity in this, its seventh annual effort. As measured by attendance, the Sunshine Stampede has grown to become one of the largest gay rodeos in the nation.

Notably absent from this year’s rodeo and its customary side events and parties will be Scandals Saloon, a traditional partner of the Sunshine Stampede. With only weeks to go before the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA)-sanctioned event, Scandals—a country-western Levis and leather bar located on NE 6 Ave, at the gateway to Wilton Manors—pulled out as a sponsor. Scandals’ proprietors, partners Ken Kelley and Lloyd Pagels, also own The Stable in Oakland Park. Both have had traditionally large afterevents associated with the Sunshine Stampede.

According to an individual close to the event who only spoke with the Agenda on the condition of anonymity, one of the things that contributed to Scandals’ decision was concern over the organizers’ decision to shuttle guests from the host Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel to nighttime venues along Wilton Drive. Both Scandals and its sister bar The Stable are located some distance away and were not on the shuttle’s scheduled route.

Kelley told the Agenda, “Scandals Saloon became an official corporate sponsor of FGRA and the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo in 2006. Unfortunately, Scandals and the FGRA could not come to terms on the sponsorship contract this year.” He insisted that his decision was strictly a matter of business. “This is not in any fashion a negative reflection on either organization,” said Kelley. With respect to FGRA’s plan to affiliate with other bars and venues, Kelley was mostly philosophical.

“While I strongly disagree with some of the FGRA’s decisions in this respect— [along with] excluding Scandals from any planned events or parties—our plans for the weekend have not changed.” The official Saturday evening Hoedown, normally scheduled at Scandals, has been moved to Boom, 2232 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors beginning at 9 p.m.

As an alternative to the Stampede’s “official” events, Kelley says Scandals will be throwing “the biggest rodeo party in town,” including a “1,500 square feet ‘ranch’, [and] BMI recording artist Melissa Fuller (performing Friday night at 9 p.m.), as well as band No Angel (performing Saturday night at 9 p.m.).” Scandals Saloon is located at 3073 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors.

The Sunshine Stampede continues a tradition that began in 1976, with the first recorded gay rodeo held in Reno, Nevada, an event held to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Nine years later, the International Gay Rodeo Association was founded. With 28 gay rodeo associations across the U.S. and Canada, there are approximately 30 gay rodeos held each year, and an invitational IGRA Finals Rodeo.

“Our sincerest wish is that this will be another successful year for the FGRA and hope everyone will come out and enjoy an amazing weekend,” Scandals’ Kelley said

In last week’s column (Open for Business, August 11, 2011: “No West, Young Man”), we reported about the ongoing fallout from the invitation to speak last month by the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA, “Wimba”) to Congressman Allen West. Among reactions to the invitation and subsequent cancellation of the planned August 8th meeting, an email to Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick from Dr. Marc J. Romano  outlined the latter’s “objection to” the invitation for West to address the business guild. Of the 22nd Congressional District representative, Romano wrote: “He has made numerous comments that reflect he is homophobic and a bigot.  His views support policies and beliefs that discriminate against the LGBT Community and he is not welcome here.”

The invitation from WMBA drew sharp criticism from a number of gay rights activists, including Michael Rajner, legislative director for the Florida Democratic Party GLBT Caucus. The ensuing controversy led to the decision by the group’s Board of Directors to cancel the event.

Lawyer-activist Dean Trantalis, a former Vice Mayor and city commissioner in Fort Lauderdale, says that a want of prudence may have been a factor. “As the saying goes,” notes the Wilton Manors attorney, “‘the road to Hell is paved with the best intentions.’”
Trantalis believes that “the invitation to Allen West to speak at a WMBA meeting shows great insensitivity to the
community which comprises much of the area in which the organization services.”

As to the House freshman Republican’s opposition to such LGBT issues as repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and federal recognition for same-sex unions through a repeal of the noxious and wholly un-American Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Trantalis, a WMBA member, offers that “Mr. West is offensive by any standard, and his pretense to wanting to discuss just items of business [at the cancelled WMBA meeting] mocks the very core upon which this community has been built.”

Responding to West’s comments in a letter written to WMBA President Celeste Ellich and the group’s members in which West implies that his critics are “intolerable individuals,” Trantalis protests that “we are not intolerable. Every opportunity West is given to speak condones his actions and his rhetoric. We’ve heard what he has to say, we’ve shown the world his very words. Why should we be once again subjected to his ridicule and condescension?”

(As was noted in last week’s column, Open for Business, August 11, 2011: “No West, Young Man”), Your Kindly Scrivener offers the possibility, or even likelihood, that the Distinguished Gentleman’s usage of the word “intolerable” may have been a malapropism – a la “Slip” Mahoney of the 1930s and 40s Bowery Boys movies, 70s Vegas headliner Norm Crosby, or international comedy sensation George W. Bush – that was meant to place-hold for the more civil “intolerant.” Or maybe he just doesn’t like gay people.)
In response to Romano’s email, Wilton Manors Mayor Resnick replied that “the invitation was extended by … Celeste Ellich, as president of a private business association [WMBA]. She never consulted with or advised the city of the invitation.” Added Resnick: “By the way, I’m a member of the GLBT Democratic Caucus and did not learn of this from them either.”

This Ain’t My First Time at the Rodeo, Fellas
Wilton Drive’s newest dining spot, Rodeo, has some enticements to introduce you to their great selection of Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Barbecue, Cajun/Creole and traditional Southern cuisine. On Tuesdays between 4p.m and 10p.m. they are offering 30% off the price for bottles of wine. Wednesday is Teacher Night; teachers who present a valid teacher ID card between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. receive 20% off their individual bills. And their Happy Hour runs from Tuesday through Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., which includes 30% off all drinks from the bar.

By the Numbers (Hail to the Chief Edition)
A comparison of approval ratings during the third Summer of recent U.S. Presidents’ first terms:
• 42.5%: Barack Obama approval
rating, Summer 2011
• 62.5%: George W. Bush approval
rating, Summer 2003 (won re-election in 2004)
• 47.5%: Bill Clinton approval rating, Summer 1995 (won re-election in 1996)
• 80.0%: George H.W. Bush approval rating, Summer 1991 (lost re-election in 1992)
• 39.5%: Ronald Reagan approval
rating, Summer 1983 (won re-election – by a landslide – in 1984)

If you’re “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director  of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story at Business@FloridaAgenda.com

Dear Editor,

Objectively, the argument against rodeos wins! The animals that are forced to participate in these events are denied what is natural to them and forced into situations that they would avoid at all costs. The animals involved, as Holly Wilson stated, are not willing participant. Many of the activities involved with the rodeo entail the animal running for its life, petrified, while spectators complicity add to the fear by cheering and applauding.

Jim Mitchell’s argument that the chutes are in excellent condition and that the animals are well fed is appalling. Prisons are also in great condition and the inmates are well fed, but those conditions are not conducive to a life well lived. Have these animals committed a crime by being different?

Rodeos are, plain and simply, a public display of humans trying to convince the world that they are superior to the animals involved. To the evolved individual, it is an archaic and small minded display of decriminalized animal abuse.

To the rhetoric that rodeos are still allowed because no animal welfare laws are broken, one needs to take a closer look at the record of enforcing animal welfare laws. Crimes against animals are often times not prosecuted. Animal welfare laws do not include all animals and the laws are different for different species. These laws are reflections of discrimination based upon being different. Does this sound familiar?

Rodeos continue because they have traditionally been acceptable forms of entertainment. In recent years we have evolved quite rapidly. We have expanded our ideas of mercy and compassion. We have accepted the idea that we are not the world, but a part of the world. We are aware that our planet is not just ours, but theirs as well. Don’t you think it is time we take a look at all of the things we have traditionally accepted and review them from a fresh set of eyes? We are responsible for leading the way for change.

Imagine the leaps and bounds we would make if we set examples of kindness and compassion in all areas of our lives. As homosexuals, we know what it is liked to be viewed as less than and persecuted for our differences.

Together, and with the help of other kind and compassionate individuals, we have made great strides in our cause. Don’t you think it is time to pay it forward and extend our helping hand to those who do not have a voice? They (animals) are just like us, only different.

I, for one, will never patronize a rodeo event or any other event that involves animals used for entertainment purposes.

MICHAEL ESSI

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – South Florida readies itself for the Sunshine Stampede Gay Rodeo. Every year, this event causes those designer jeans lovers to take off those Diesel and True Religion brands and switch to Wrangler and Levis. Cowboys – and “just-for-this-weekend” cowboys – line the sidewalks of Wilton Drive with their cowboy hats and patterned shirts. Despite all the parties held in town, the rodeo itself will be held at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie and is being organized by the Florida Gay Rodeo Association. Now in its sixth year, the Rodeo will be held April 7th through 10th. The official bar sponsor of the Sunshine Stampede is, naturally, Scandals Saloon so you see will be more cowboys there than usual, and most rodeo parties will be held at both Scandals and their sister bar, The Stable. Yes, two bars packed all weekend long with wranglers, bull riders, cowboys and rodeo clowns. A cowgirl’s event will be held at New Moon Bar, also in Wilton Manors. This is your opportunity to find out how the west was fun. For more information and tickets, visit www.fgra.org.

The Sunshine Stampede Gay Rodeo is a production of the Florida Gay Rodeo Association, and each year the rodeo has gotten bigger until it has now become one of the largest gay rodeos in the United States.

The International Gay Rodeo Association has more than 4,500 active members and is made up of amateur gay rodeo clubs in 33 regions of the United States and Canada, from Colorado to Toronto.

For the huge cross-section of viewers, gay rodeo is about pure fun. People come because they are curious, or because they have friends who are competing, and families come out with their kids. All events have two main things in common: the same lineup of competitive events and a fund-raising component, in which profits benefit a local charities.

Other gay rodeos are being held this year in Albuquerque, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Oklahoma City, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Reno, St. Louis, Tulsa and Tucson.

Schedule of Events:

April 7, 2011 – Thursday
• Horse Stalls Open for Early Check In, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 1 to 5 pm. Stall space limited.

April 8, 2011 – Friday
• Horse Stalls Reopen for Regular Check In, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 8 am to 6 pm Stalls available for check in. Arrive by 5:30 pm to complete check in by 6 pm.
• Vendor Set-Up, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 10 am to 4 pm.
• Rodeo School, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 8:30 am to noon.
• World Finals Committee Meeting, Hilton Hotel, 10 am.
• Lunch for IGRA Board of Directors, Hilton Hotel, 12 noon.
• IGRA Board Meeting with Trustees Meeting to follow, Hilton Hotel, 1 pm.
• Blue Moon Welcome Pool Party and Mixer, Presented by Blue Moon Belgian White Ale, Non Ticketed Event, cash bar, Hilton Pool Deck, 2 to 6:30 pm. After you check in, relax by the pool, enjoy the music and meet the cowboys and cowgirls coming in from all over North America.
• Contestant Registration, Dania Ball-room, Hilton Hotel, 6 to 9 pm.
• Rodeo Kickoff Party at Scandals Saloon, non-ticketed event, 8 pm. Shuttles from Hilton to Scandals starts at 8 pm, donations accepted, no ticket required. VIP dance and bar area opens – passes required for access to VIP area. Last shuttle to Hilton leaves at 2 am. Hop on the shuttles and join the cowboys and cowgirls at Scandals Saloon for the official Rodeo kick-off party in downtown Wilton Manors. The shuttles will be traveling between the hotel, Scandals Saloon, and Rosie’s and will be free this year. Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost – remember: It’s all for charity.
• Cowgirls Mixer, New Moon Bar, Wilton Manors

April 9, 2011 – Saturday
• Contestant Breakfast, Bergeron Arena, free for contestants and officials – credentials required, 7:30 am.
• First Time (New) Contestant Meeting, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds – Premium Seating Section, near the Contestant area and announcer’s stand, 8:30 am. Mandatory meeting for all first time rodeo contestants.
• Stampede Officials Meeting, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds – concession area, 8 am.
• 2011 Sunshine Stampede Rodeo, Day One. Tickets Required for this event. 7:30 am rodeo shuttles start, donations accepted, but no ticket required for shuttle. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds’ gates open at 8:45 am, rodeo starts at 9 am (morning events), 12:30 pm, Grand Entry. 1 pm, rodeo (afternoon events).
• Midway Tent Opens for dancing and entertainment, 1 pm.
• Officials Dinner – TBA. Invitation Only
• Hoedown at Scandals Saloon, non ticketed event, 8 pm. Shuttle from hotel starts at 8 pm, donations accepted, no ticket required. VIP dance and bar area opens, passes required to

VIP area. 2 am, last shuttle to hotels. Hop the shuttles and join the cowboys and cowgirls at Scandals Saloon in downtown Wilton Manors. The shuttles will be traveling between the hotel, Scandals Saloon, and Rosie’s and will be free this year. Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost – remember: It’s all for charity.

April 10, 2011 – Sunday
• Contestant Breakfast, Bergeron Arena – free for contestants and officials – credentials required, 7:30 am.
• 2011 Sunshine Stampede Rodeo, Day Two, tickets required for this event, 8:a.m. rodeo shuttle starts, donations accepted but no tickets required, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, gates open at 9:45 am, rodeo starts (morning events), 10 am, Grand Entry, noon. 12:45 pm, rodeo afternoon events.
• Midway tent opens for dancing and entertainment, 1 pm.
• Awards ceremony and dinner presented by Sunny.org. Awards ceremony itself is a non-ticket event. 8 pm. Hilton poolside awards ceremony, 7:30 pm. dinner buffet begins, dinner requires a ticket $10. Dinner tickets will be available at the Bergeron Arena ticket office and Friday night at registration.
• Closing Party at Scandals Saloon, non-ticketed event, 8 pm, shuttle starts at 8 pm, donations accepted but no tickets required. VIP dance area and bar area opens at 8 pm, pass required for VIP access. Last shuttle to hotels 2 pm. The shuttles will be traveling between the hotel, Scandals Saloon, and Rosie’s and will be free this year. Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost – remember: It’s all for charity.