NGRA (Nevada Gay Rodeo Association) was established in 1992 and is an affiliate of IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association) which has 20 member associations in the U.S. and in Canada. These associations hold at least 18 sanctioned rodeos each year, including International Finals.

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.

Gay Rodeo Demographics

IGRA spectator and contestant surveys indicate that in past years, the average attendee at our rodeos was male, over 30 years of age, and had income of over $40,000 a year. With the increasing popularity of gay rodeo and with our tremendous growth, we have seen a shift in the demographics over the last two years, with many more women and families in attendance. Attendees at our rodeos and other events comprise an ideal target market for your products and services and as a group, enjoy a higher than average disposable income. NGRA rodeos, entertainment events, and public dances provide an ideal venue to expose your product or service to this market, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the local gay and lesbian community.

Current International sponsors include Bud Light, American Airlines, Bacardi Silver, DeKuyper Pucker, Elbow Grease, and Instinct Magazine. NGRA is a 501(c)4 approved non-profit (501c-3 pending).

More about BigHorn Rodeo and IGRA Finals Rodeo

An NGRA rodeo is much more than a simple spectator sporting event. It is a cultural festival where the attendees enjoy entertainment, dancing, dining, and vendor sales, as well as educational and artistic experiences.

Of course, the rodeo is the main show. NGRA operates its own rodeos under the code of fellowship and good sportsmanship developed in concert with the other member associations of IGRA. This code provides standardized rules and guidelines for the conduct of our rodeos, with special attention to humane treatment of all animals. Although gay rodeo is considered an amateur sport, the rules are very similar to professional rodeos. In fact, IGRA rules have been adopted by the big traditional professional rodeo organizations. IGRA officials monitor every aspect of the event and sanction a rodeo, only after determining that all rules have been followed properly.

Throughout the year, IGRA circuit rodeo athletes from around the United States and Canada compete in various IGRA member association rodeos, hoping to win enough points to finish in the top 20 in their event(s). The top 20 compete in the IGRA Finals Rodeo. The location of Finals Rodeo is determined by which association makes the winning bid at the IGRA annual convention.

Men or women may perform all events in Gay Rodeo.

IGRA sanctioned rodeos are intended as amateur events. Even though competitors may win monies, ribbons, buckles, and other prizes, the rules for the events are intended to provide a safe environment for competitors of an amateur ability and to protect animals involved in the competition, as well.

This year, NGRA plans to add more exciting Rodeo Specialty Entertainment Acts in the main arena. This will make all the action more attractive than ever and make excellent opportunities for sponsorships.

In addition to the activities at the rodeo grounds, NGRA utilizes a host hotel for the weekend and produces well-attended public entertainment evening events. In addition to a major show featuring local and national entertainers, one of the highlights of the rodeo is the public dance held on Friday and Saturday nights.

IGRA-Sanctioned Rodeo Events

These are traditional rodeo events, usually performed by seasoned rodeo competitors.

Rough Stock Events Speed Events Roping Events Camp Events   Bareback Bronc Riding Bull Riding Steer Riding Chute Dogging Pole bending Barrel Racing Flag Racing Calf Roping on Foot Break-Away Roping Team Roping Steer decorating Goat Dressing Wild Drag Race

Non-IGRA Events

The Camp Events have been designed to allow novice competitors an opportunity to compete along with the more seasoned rodeo competitors. These events are unique to gay rodeo and the crowds are immensely entertained by watching them. There are usually large numbers of competitors in these events, and men and women may compete against each other. The prize purses for the camp events are usually relatively large for the rodeo. Details of the official events are available at the International Gay Rodeo website at www.igra.com The schedule of non-IGRA events will vary from year to year.

Sample list of Camp Events

Mutton Busting Wild 'N Wooley Wodeo Drag Race Martha Washington Race

Beneficiaries of NGRA Donations NGRA contributes to many 501(c)3 organizations. These contributions include hard dollars, donations of food and material assets, holiday gifts, landscaping, and providing labor, maintenance, and transportation. Our donation report is available on request. A list of 501(c)3 organizations supported by NGRA is available by request.