Royalty North Star Gay Rodeo Association

I grew up in a small town of 3000 people in Central Illinois. After getting married and having my first child, we moved to Milwaukee WI where I lived for 13 years.

Most of my working life I managed restaurants and in 1999 transferred to Minneapolis. After 20 plus years I am on the other side of the fence now and I am selling restaurant equipment and supplies.

I have three wonderful children, foster-son Trevor 30 years' old
living in Denver, Jessica 24 years old living with her partner Denise and Jennifer 19 years old, both in Milwaukee.

In 1999 I met my partner Kris (April Maye) and that is when we moved to Minneapolis. Shortly after the move I started doing drag and have worked at several venues in the Twin Cities. I am also the Stonewall Stage Manager at the Twin Cities Pride festival.

I became involved with the Rodeo at the beginning of 2007 and I am a real believer in the organization and the charities it supports. I am proud to represent North Star Gay Rodeo Association and look forward to a fabulous 2008.

I am proud to be your Mr. North Star Gay Rodeo Association 2008.

I originally hail from Kansas City, Missouri where I was raised by my single mother along with my sister and brother.

My involvement in the Gay Rodeo started 8 years ago with the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association. After several years out of the circuit I got involved once again in Oklahoma with the Sooner State Rodeo Association.

After moving to Sioux City, Iowa I was fortunate enough to make friends with several NSGRA members, and after joining NSGRA in April of 2007, I became a novice rodeo competitor (competing in Chute Dogging and Goat Dressing). My Rodeo journey came full circle in September of 2007 when I was very proud to "dog" my first steer in Kansas City, Missouri, in front of my mother, sister and brother.

I now call St. Paul, Minnesota my home, and I consider it an honor to hold the Mr. NSGRA title and to help raise money for very worthy causes that help many people with HIV and AIDS. I would like to thank each and every person who has helped me along the way.

Mr. North Star Gay Rodeo Association 2008 - "Pup" Ric