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HISTORY

In 1992, seven men at the Badlands Saloon in Las Vegas were inspired to bring gay rodeo "home" to Nevada, where it all began. This group—Bob Edwards, Randy Larson, Tom Blythe, Robert Kingham, Tom Tyre, Gary L'abbe, and Randy Parker—were close friends and experienced rodeo participants. They decided that Las Vegas needed its own gay rodeo association, leading to the creation of the Southern Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (SNVRA), which gained fifty members in its first year.

That same year, the association changed its name to the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA) to represent the entire state. The founders became the 13th membership delegation at the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) convention in Minnesota, and the name change also honored Reno, NV, where gay rodeo began in 1976.

It took NGRA two years to host its first unofficial event, a Gymkhana at Horseman's Park in Las Vegas in June 1994. The Gymkhana was a non-sanctioned event designed to build experience for running a full-scale rodeo. IGRA officials attended and supported NGRA’s efforts to sanction its first rodeo. The goal was to hold an annual rodeo and complete Nevada’s gay rodeo history.

This dream was realized in June 1996 with the inaugural BigHorn Rodeo. Since then, NGRA has consistently hosted rodeo events. Thanks to the dedication and passion of its members, the vision of those seven men in 1992 has come to life.

NGRA’s mission has remained the same over the past three decades: to produce gay rodeo events that celebrate and enhance the western lifestyle, and to raise funds for various local charities. NGRA has supported organizations such as the Nevada Aids Project, Pedrigal House, Aids for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), Golden Rainbow, Reach Out, and others. Currently, NGRA proudly sponsors The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada and the Sin Sity Sisters AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which support local needs.

 

NGRA is proud of its contribution to this ongoing legacy. It has one of the largest active chapters within IGRA and is recognized as a leading charitable group in the local community.

NGRA invites everyone to embrace the spirit of rodeo and, for those who already love it, to "come home" once a year. Through the BigHorn Rodeo, we hope to inspire participants of all ages, honor the pioneers of gay rodeo, and enrich everyone’s experience. The foundation of BigHorn Rodeo reflects Phil Ragsdale's original vision from 1976, continuing the celebration of the western lifestyle that began with gay rodeo.

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