MEMBERSHIP
To date, NGRA has produced twenty-one BigHorn Rodeos for the sole purpose of raising funds for worthy charities in the Las Vegas Community. Since 1996, our rodeos have included 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.
In many of the recent rodeo years, the Governor of Nevada, the Nevada Attorney General, and the Mayor of Las Vegas have formally recognized NGRA for its efforts. NGRA has also been honored to have noted contributors to Las Vegas serve as Grand Marshal for the annual event, including former Mayor Oscar Goodman, Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins, as well as national celebrity Judy Sheppard (Director of the Matthew Sheppard Foundation).
WHAT ELSE DOES NGRA DO?
Each month, the NGRA Fundraising Committee plans a fundraising event. But it's the members who make the event work. We need a lot of help with everything from ideas, organization, and volunteers to help make the event a success. Events already held or planned include an annual NGRA Royalty Pageant, camping or other outings, skating nights, barbecues, bus trips, etc. The NGRA works closely with other organizations, including the Pride Committee (SNAPI), the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, The Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Inc., the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire Inc. (IRSCDE) and other organizations.
Almost all of our events are geared toward raising money for our rodeo, which can cost upwards of $100,000 to produce. Of course, with skillful planning and plenty of help, a rodeo can make a profit. Profits from an NGRA Rodeo are donated to charitable organizations throughout the state of Nevada.
DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN LAS VEGAS?
No! You can live anywhere in the world! Our members are primarily from the Las Vegas area, but we have members who reside throughout the state, region, and country.
NGRA LEADERSHIP
The NGRA relies upon all its members to function efficiently. But it's the officers and other members of the Board of Directors who help set the direction and provide leadership. NGRA's Board of Directors are elected annually. We also hold an Annual State Convention, where all members can be involved in creating and modifying our bylaws.
NGRA ROYALTY
The NGRA also selects Royalty each year to represent the organization at a variety of functions at the local and national level. Contestants compete for the title of Mr. NGRA, Miss NGRA (female impersonator), Ms. NGRA, and MsTer NGRA (male impersonator). The Royalty team also works to raise funds for the Association and local charities.
THIS IS IGRA
The International Gay Rodeo Association is the organizational and sanctioning body for gay rodeos. It is currently made up of 15 individual State Associations and Satellite Chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
The IGRA sanctions approximately 10-12 rodeos each year. Events are: Bull Riding, Team Roping, Bareback Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Steer Riding, Break-Away Calf Roping, Pole Bending, Calf Roping on Foot, Flag Race, Barrel Race, Steer Decorating, Goat Dressing, and Wild Drag Race.
You can learn more about The International Gay Rodeo Association by visiting the IGRA website.