Grand Marshals

2008 Grand Marshal - MARK LARSON

Mark Larson grew up on a horse farm in South Dakota. He has been riding since he was a child, competing in 4H Quarter Horse events and moving up to High School rodeo.His exposure to gay rodeo began when he attended his first rodeo in Denver, Colorado. That was in 1991. In 1992, he started down the road of competition, first in New Mexico, and then at the first ever North Star Regional Rodeo in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.He qualified for the IGRA Finals in the Steer Riding event in 1993. As his riding skill improved, he moved on to Bareback Broncs and Bull Riding. Although he loved roughstock, he also jumped into the other events, including Calf Roping on Foot. In many rodeos, he competed in no less than five events. At his peak, he was entering nine rodeos a year.
In 2001, his rodeo path took a different turn when he won the title of Mr. NSGRA, a title he held onto for five years. In 2002, he earned the Mr. IGRA title, helping to promote gay rodeo across the US and Canada.During his time with NSGRA, Mark has continued to be a positive influence in the sport, and on its members. He has always encouraged people to compete and to contribute to our association whenever possible.

2007 Grand Marshal - COLIN SMITH (Black Bart)

A founding NSGRA member in 1989, Bart has worked hard in building our community. In addition to holding several Board positions over the years, he was our President for three years in which time he helped lead us to many significant and successful rodeos. Bart has been very involved with promoting our association and rodeo, finding sponsors and fundraising, working on our newsletter, and building close ties with Twin Cities Pride. He was also the first NSGRA member to compete in rough stock and has gone on to be a successful contestant including the title of International Champion in Bareback Bronc Riding in 2004. Bart was involved in the line dance group Border Line and also kicked up his heals with the Purple Creek Cloggers. His leadership can be seen through his mentoring of new rodeo contestants and new board members. NSGRA salutes our friend, Black Bart!

2006 Grand Marshal - DOT TREVIS

Dot began her association with NSGRA in 1994 as a member of the
affiliated line dance troupe Borderline.  As with many other NSGRA members,
country-western dance was her entry into the world of rodeo.  She has been a
member of the NSGRA board of directors since 1995 serving as Trustee,
President, Vice President, Secretary, and even Acting Treasurer.  Dot
represented NSGRA in the royalty program as Ms NSGRA 1996 and 1997, going on
to become Ms IGRA first runner-up in 1998.  She has also served at the
international level as NSGRA Trustee for four years 1999 - 2002 and as the
IGRA Nominations Chair from 1996 to 2006.  Her current position is the NSGRA
Membership Chair 2003 - 2006.  Dot enjoys recruiting new members to NSGRA
and especially the promotion of all the good things NSGRA does for our
community.  Dot says "NSGRA has helped me to develop public speaking skills,
and I especially enjoy the friendships with IGRA members across the
                                                              country."  Well, Dot, NSGRA and IGRA certainly enjoy you!