The SMRA Newsletter is edited by Thomas Schlueter-White and the Membership Committee
Election of Executive Officers
A Message from SMRA's Elections Chair
Greetings fellow Smokys! It’s that time of year again ... time to elect the leaders that will help us move forward to achieve our goals.
Ballots have been mailed to all members "in good standing". Those that vote by return mail must send their completed ballot so that it arrives no later than 5:00 on Saturday December 2, 2006. Anyone that wishes to turn in their ballot at the General Membership Meeting that evening may do so.
At the December general membership meeting, the ballots will be counted and the winners declared so that the results of the election can be documented in the minutes.
For officer responsibilities and election regulations, refer to our By-Laws and Guidelines to By-Laws.
So saddle up, get involved, and help ensure our growing organization continues to move in the right direction.
Terry Sharp
Elections Chair
Congratulations Kenny "KP" Pruitt
Kenny "KP" Pruitt’s five-year old quarter horse, Bahama Bully, placed first at this month’s Ohio World Congress Show. Held in Columbus, Ohio, this event is one of the largest quarter horse shows in the world. Bahama Bully, ridden by Sharin Hall-Grant, was the leader in a field of approximately five hundred of America’s finest quarter horses. Combined scores of a two-run average and a final run gave them the victory.
For his efforts as owner and trainer, KP shares in an awesome prize package that includes cash, a horse trailer, saddle, blankets and buckles.
With the mission of promoting the registered American Quarter Horse breed, OQHA created the American Quarter Horse Congress in 1967 and continues to sponsor the event annually. OQHA is a state Quarter Horse association with 2,000 members and is a state breed affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).
SMRA is proud to have talented horsemen among its ranks and wishes KP all the best as Bahama Bully continues to be an American Barrel Racing Association champion.
Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association MerchandiseOfficial SMRA shirts, name badges and pins are available to all members. The shirts are a sturdy white 100%-cotton oxford with a western yoke and button-flap pockets. They are custom embroidered with "SMRA" on the collar and "SMOKY" down the sleeve. The shirts cost $65.00 each and can be ordered in any standard shirt size.
SMRA name badges (pictured) are made of tough plastic, prominently featuring our logo, and a magnetic system instead of a traditional pin so there is no chance of damage to your clothes. Name badges are custom made and cost $15.00 each.
SMRA pins are also available. They feature the SMRA logo in full color and are sealed with an acrylic coating for long-lasting wear. The price of each pin is only $3.00
If you have questions or comments about SMRA merchandise, or if you would like to place an order, please contact the Inventory Committee Chair who will happily assist you.
SMRA Participates in Nashville's Black Pride EventOn Saturday, October 28, 2006, representatives from Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association participated in Nashville's Black Pride event. SMRA was one of several local GLBT organizations that participated.
Nashville's Black Pride is an annual event under the umbrella of the Brothers United Network, Inc. organization. This celebration, created for and by local members within the African American Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community, is open to all people regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Special thanks to Jack Marshall and the Community Service Committee for organizing SMRA's participation in this event.
The purpose of the SMRA Royalty contest is to select qualified individuals to represent SMRA as ambassadors to the community and at various events associated with SMRA, IGRA and any other organization that would further the purpose and goals of SMRA.
Candidates must be active members of SMRA for a minimum of six (6) months prior to declaration of candidacy. Candidates must then comply with several requests during their candidacy, such as meeting with the SMRA Vice-President and Reigning SMRA Royalty prior to approval as a candidate, preparing a brief autobiography and a "Letter of Intent" to be submitted prior to the beginning of the Royalty Contest, and donating tips at all events.
IGRA’s Royalty Team is the prime source of raising money to fund a number of charities across the country and into Canada. They also create revenue to assist in operating IGRA and they accomplish all of this through a variety of methods. It is truly an honor to represent SMRA at the international level.
Watch for more details as a date, time and place for the event will be announced soon!
SMRA 2007 Royalty Competition
Please plan ahead for the following SMRA events!
Cowboy Happy Hour at Lucky's Garage
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
At Lucky's Garage
Join the gang as Lucky's Garage welcomes Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association to an evening of country fun. Enjoy country videos, great drink specials, and a complimentary buffet. Be ready for a good time!
SMRA 2006 Holiday Party
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Jon Glassmeyer and Scott Ridgway
Additional details will be announced as they become available.
Gay Ol' Opry III - A Holiday Spectacular
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Time: To be Announced
At the Chute Complex
Additional details will be announced as they become available.
Did you know? ...
ARTICLE I - NAME OF THE CORPORATION
Assumed Name: The Corporation shall have the right to conduct its business under an assumed name which shall be Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association, or such other assumed name that the Corporation may authorize.
CLICK HERE if you would like to print a copy of SMRA's current Bylaws. Questions or comments concerning SMRA Bylaws and Guidelines can be directed to the Bylaws Chair at bylaws@smra.net.
Featured Rodeo Event ...Steer Deco - CAMP EVENT
This event requires a two-person team. One member stands ten feet from the chute gate holding the end of a 25 foot rope, which is looped around the steer's horns. The other team member stands 40 feet from the chute and has a 24-inch long ribbon. When the chute gate opens, the team must bring the steer out and across the ten-foot line. One team member tries to tie the ribbon on the steer's tail while the other team member tries to remove the rope from the steer's horns. When the ribbon is on the tail and the loop is off the horns, the ribbon-tier must tag the timer.
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