I’m off to take in the sand and sun at the Dunes Resort in Douglas, Michigan – down the road from the well known Saugatuck resort town, on the week of June 21. Michigan is one of the 13 Mid-Western states I’m honored to represent this year.
If you are in the neighborhood, drop in and say hello. See you there.
International Mr. Leather 2009 in Chicago, Memorial Day Weekend: 54 most deserving contestants. Unfortuantely only one can take home the sash. This year’s winner is:
You can see all the photos of the event at the International Mr. Leather website.
This was my second year attending the IML as a contestant and it was more fun than ever. I saw old friends, fellow contestants from last year and made new friends this year. The contestants and organizers were very sociable and friendly. Everyone had a great time.
The event was held at the Chicago Hilton. First year for the staff at the hotel having the contest. Everyone seemed to enjoy having us there. Two of the female employees told me “One of the friendliest conventions we ever had with the little perks to it, like great bodies and cute butts!”
Here I am with my good friend Mike Lunter, Mr. Missouri Leather 2009, backstage waiting to be introduced to the crowd for the first time.
In the center is another good friend of mine, Rick Burgess, Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2009.
Second from the right, here I am waiting for the “Pecs & Personality” segment of the contest.
My question from the emcee was: “Since you have created a collection of 155 vintage lunchboxes, imagine you are going on a picnic. Which lunchbox would you select and why? And what would you put in it?”
The crowd had a huge laugh at the lunchboxes. My response:
“The Dukes of Hazzard, because I had a fantasy of Bo and Luke tying me up on thier farm. And since I have a sweet tooth, I’d would include in the box whipped cream, chocolate syrup, cherries… oh, wait, I can’t cause I don’t have one… and strawberry syrup.”
Here I am listening to a pep talk given at the ballroom by the “handlers.”
Here are Mike Lunter and me being introduced on Sunday night to the audience.
I owe a big thank you to Jerry Miller of St. Louis who helped to create new leather and alter the old in time for the IML event. Also thank you to Philip Dietch for all the help and hard work in preparing me for the IML experience.
While we were at IML we took time to visit the Leather Archives and Museum. It’s a great place to visit and full of amazing history. Also went out to eat at some fabulous restaurants with friends. If you can imagine 10,000 men in full leather running around in Chicago (above and beyond the usual leather crowd living there) you can easily imagine how many times we were stopped by passerbys asking what was going on. Someone even remarked, seeing a crowd of leather men and women, “Look! It must be a Harley convention!”
A great time was had by all. If you have not yet been to an IML contest, you need to do so next year. The event is fun and the crowds are full of great, friendly folks and lots of incredible eye-candy! It’s held in Chicago every Memorial Weekend.
The next event on the calendar: getting ready for IML 2009 in Chicago. Wish me luck. Looking forward to seeing friends and meeting new ones. We’ll be at the Chicago Hilton Memorial Day Weekend.
April 30th, 2009, I was honored to help host Tuckers Place for Dining Out For Life. With my fellow Hosts Mike Luntar, Mr. Missouri Leather ’09 and Mike True, Mr. Gateway Gay Rodeo Association ’08, we welcomed everyone to Tuckers Place, a local landmark in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood.
Tuckers Place was one of over 130 restaurants in St. Louis participating to raise money for EFA (St. Louis Effort For AIDS). Thanks to the staff and owners of Tuckers Place and the crowds of patrons arriving for a great meal to benefit a great cause. The evening was a huge success. Here are some photos from the event.
Charlie Schoenherr, Mr. Midwest Leather ’08-’09 (left), Mike Luntar, Mr. Missouri Leather ’09 (center), Mike True, Mr. Gateway Gay Rodeo Association ’08 (right).
Patrons Trudy and Judy enjoying dinner at Tucker’s Place.
Dale, caught by the camera having dinner at Tucker’s Place.
Mike Luntar, Debbie, Charlie and Mike True.
Ed and Andy, Mike Luntar’s longtime partner.
Tucker’s Place is known for wonderful steaks as well as chicken and fish. My personal favorite, though, is the Pork Loin = 1 1/2 inches thick with their own special sauce.
Located on 12th Street in the heart of the historic Soulard neighborhood near downtown St. Louis.
The owner of MrMidwest Leather Contest has announced that there will no contest for 2009, but the next contest will be held in 2010. Because of this I will retain my title for the remainder of 2009. So please keep coming back to my blog for more info.
Meanwhile the Mr Missouri Leather 2009 Contest will be held March 6,7, and the victory Party March 8th, held at JJ’s Clubhouse in St. Louis. Don’t forget, if you want to be a contestant, only a short time to register. Go to JJ’s Website.
On October 12,2008, I held a fundraising event for The American Diabetes Association and PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) Food,Door Prizes, and Martini Recipes were enjoyed by all who attended. With the help of some wonderful friends and the Staff of Van Goghz, we raise over $2000.00 in just 3 hours. The food was donated by Van Goghz owners Ginger and Kim.
The Fabulous Eva Destruction, who sold raffle tickets at the event, and myself.
Eva spread joy and glitter all over Van Goghz.
Kathleen and Kris
Left to Right: Wes, MrMidwest Leather 2005, Scott, Mr Missouri Leather 2007, and Bruce
Charlie and Dale
Left to Right: Brad,Steve,and Scott
On September 13,2008, I attended the Mr Bootleggers Leather Contest in Kansas City. Originally called Mr. Dixie Belle after the old Dixie Belle bar in KC, it’s now Mr. Bootleggers. Shown here are Jeremy, winner of the Mr. Bootleggers 2009 contest and myself.
Left to Right: me, Gary Iriza, International Mr. Leather 2008, Sir Crisco Mr. Dixie Belle Leather 2007.
Labor Day of 2008, I teamed up with the 1st runner up of MrMidwest Leather 08, Terry. The two of us entered the GOAT DRESSING event at the St.Louis Gateway Rodeo Event, where we took 4th place out of 28. Not bad for beginners!!
I had such a great time with the cowboys, that I have joined the St. Louis Gateway Rodeo Association (GWGRA).
In January I went to Peoria with the cowboys from St. Louis and celebrated my birthday at the Peoria bars . There I got my birthday spanking where many participated!
A week after my July 4th rodeo adventure, I traveled with friends to Douglas, Michigan for a vacation at the Dunes Resort. While there I had the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for the Grand River Renegades. They were raising money for the GLBT GVSU Student Fund. We raised $750 that evening AND I won the very unofficial title of Mr. Leather Cowboy Patio (awarded on the patio bar). A good time was had by all.
Introduction of contestants for Leather Cowboy Patio
My unofficial sash Drawing the winning ticket for the raffle On the balcony thanking the crowd for a sucessful fundraiser, raising $750 in only three hours.Drawing the winning ticket for the raffleOn the balcony thanking the crowd for a sucessful fundraiser, raising $750 in only three hours.
Drawing the winning ticket for the raffleOn the balcony thanking the crowd for a sucessful fundraiser, raising $750 in only three hours.
