The Windy City Rodeo will be August 22-24. Plans are being finalized. Here's some basic info to whet yer appetite....
So, just what goes on at a Gay Rodeo?
First, it's a real rodeo
We have standard rodeo events. People do, from time time, get hurt. Our rodeo features:
- Roughstock events like: bull, steer, and bareback bronc, riding and chute dogging.
- Roping events like: calf roping on foot, mounted break away roping, and team roping.
- Speed events like: pole bending, barrel racing, and flag racing.
There is another category of events that is unique to Gay Rodeo: the Camp Events. These include Steer Deco, Goat Dressing, and Wild Drag.
We also feature live entertainment
We have an Entertainment tent with dance floor where a live DJ spins country dance music almost all day long. Breaks are taken from dancing for an occasional show number. (Remember to tip the drag queens. You don't want them to get cranky.)
We also have exhibitions by other local groups. This year The Chicago Spirit Brigade is scheduled to perform, as is the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps.
If shopping is your thing...
There is a vendor area with t-shirts, hats, belts, buckles and so on for sale. Prices are reasonable and there is a great selction of unique merchandise.
Don't forget the food!
Our concessions are tasty and reasonable. We have grilled burgers, dogs, and chicken sandwiches. There's also pop, chips, candy bars, and usually some kind of food-on-a-stick. And that's not even mentioning the Frito Pie...
And, yes, we have a bar
It's managed and staffed by pros from our local clubs. Drop into the bar tent, cool off with a cold Bud Light, and see what some of those folk look like in daylight!
The people watching is pretty good too
Between guests, participants, and volunteers we have about 2,000 people on the grounds over the two days. Many of them are pretty easy on the eyes. It's very warm in August. There's plenty of skin.