Buckingbroncos! Gay men are shaking up America?smid-west macho world of the ?Rodeo King? by staging the second annual?Stampede? Gay Rodeo.

Gaycowboys the length and breadth of the United States are gearing up for whatpromises to be an action packed weekend of bareback bronc riding, steerwrestling, calf roping and barrel racing. Organised by the Liberty RodeoAssociation Stampede will include two balls, more than a dozen rodeocompetitions, dancing and some ?camp? events such as goat dressing and a wilddrag race. Sounds likea hell of a lot of fun to us!

It?sexpected that cowboys and girls from all over the United States will attend the event being held in Philadelphia July 31^st? Aug 2^nd. The event highlight will be the main rodeo competition atLulu Shriners Rodeo Grounds in Plymouth,two hours north of the city.

Speakingto The Philadelphia Gay News Stampede director Jim Gallucci saidthe intention of the stampede is to bring together a diverse mix of community'It?s open to everybody, whether you're gay, lesbian, straight. It's a lot offriendly, fun competition, but also a way to meet people without having to goout to a bar. There's a real sense of community?

Andwhat about when the sun goes down after a hard day of bronco busting? What's alonesome pistol-packin? cowboy to do? That'll be line dancing at thespur-tastic ?Independence?and ?Freedom? balls then!  Hosted by Philadelphia?sLoews Hotel the two galas will kick off and close Stampede and includeperformances from country singer James Allen Clark and an awards ceremony.

Ride ?emcowboys!

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