Nevada Gay Rodeo Association

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Membership Organizations

Description

NGRA has produced seven BigHorn Rodeos since 1996. BigHorn Rodeo 2004 will be held in Las Vegas at Horseman's Park on April 2-4, 2004. Our rodeos include traditional events in rough stock (such as Bareback Bronc Riding and Bull Riding), speed, and roping categories, as well as camp (comical) events, entertainment, dancing, vendors, and other activities. The increased popularity of rodeos in the west and in the U.S. as a whole has helped make NGRA one of the fastest developing member associations within IGRA. BigHorn Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos on the gay circuit with more than 130 competitors.

What do we do?

NGRA is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization promoting the western lifestyle and producing gay rodeos with a commitment to raise funds for charitable organizations within our community. We strive to increase the amount of funds we distribute annually to these charitable causes. Over the years NGRA has raised and distributed funds for organizations that care for and seek cures for those with HIV/AIDS, as well as other health and social issues within our society as a whole. In each of the last five rodeo years, the Governor of Nevada, the Nevada Attorney General and the Mayor of Las Vegas have formally recognized NGRA for its efforts. In 2003 NGRA was honored to have Mayor Oscar Goodman and Judy Shepard (Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation) serve as our Grand Marshals.

In addition to our annual BigHorn Rodeo, NGRA has produced several other national events including the IGRA Annual Convention in 2000, and the International Country-Western Dance Championships in 2000. NGRA's other annual local events include our annual Royalty Pageant, Closet Ball, and Barroom Rodeo, themed fundraising shows, raffles, auctions, special entertainment events, and the Country-Western Dance tent at the Annual Las Vegas Gay Pride festival.

The attendance records, financial success of our rodeos and other fund-raising activities have allowed NGRA to contribute donations many different non-profit groups. A list of charitable recipients may be found at the end of this document. NGRA also proudly partners with other non-profit organizations for charitable activities.