And that’s a wrap for Vegas

Well, round three of drag on the Rodeo circuit is finished and back in the bags. After getting to ride Southwest’s Shamu, I was disappointed not to ride another animal into Vegas but I arrived in SinCity with all luggage in tow. The cab ride to the hotel was by far the most expensive I have ever experienced even after living in New York for 13 years. It was an Asian version of Mr Toad’s Wild Right. By the time I got to the hotel I was not only hot from the Vegas Sunshine. But although things happen beyond anyone’s control (that we know personally) rodeo folk roll with the punches and keep moving forward.

After a quick load in, disco nap and paint job I met up with the second member of the IGRA Angels, Diva Divine and headed to Charlie’s Las Vegas for “Stetsons Stilettos” the fundraiser of Angel # 3 Taylor Trash. Diva & I performed and made a hasty retreat to the showers then bed to be fresh for Saturday morning’s Big Horn Rodeo.

A glitch at the beginning of day one put things behind schedule but like I said, rodeo people role with the punches. Being an outdoor rodeo in 95 degree weather it gets pretty warm pretty quick. But with some fast thinking to go without pads and shaved legs kept me much more comfortable that other rodeos I have attended in full out drag. (I think I’ll be revisiting that again in the near future since it also cuts down on luggage). Spectators where encamped under white tents above the stands as were contestants under more canopies in the grassy area near secretarial.

The official number of contestants was close to 90. So congrats to NGRA for a good turnout. There were 12 or so venders including a climbing rock wall, a trampoline with a bungee harness and a dunk tank (more on that later). Also the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were out in force, hauling people into their own jail where others had to put up cash to obtain their release.

Kristine W was the grand marshal and road in grand entry on day one but had to fly out that day for an engagement. Very nice, looked great and as they played one of her songs during her rodeo entrance she sang out strongly to the cheers of the attendees.

Most of my time was spent hosting entertainment in the performance tent. This included performances be the newly crowned pride couple, the imperial court of Las Vegas and the cast members of Side Show hosting be Miss Stephanie, a real hoot!

Several people came close to heat stroke of which I was a member. That evening I stayed in, had a cool bath, ate and rested up. A wise move.

Day two went much smoother, hot again but we had a nice breeze. I was in the performance tent again as well as Grand Entry. Then back to the hotel, a fresh coat of shellack and on to awards. After the finish of awards Miss NGRA Sable D’Zyre sat above the dunk tank as a fundraiser and by the end of the night and more dunkings than I could count she raised nearly $1000. It was amazing!

After another good nights rest I packed up an headed back to Charlie’s for a “We Made it Through the Rodeo” brunch. Good food, good socializing & lots of laughter before heading to my flight.

So Gentle Readers, here I sit with time to spare, time to chill & update my goings on. Next it’s on to Oklahoma City in 10 days for our board meeting and the Great Plains rodeo. Hope to see you there!!!