Jeanne McLeod, Arena Director |
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JEANNE McLEOD has been a member of the Texas Gay Rodeo Association
since the late 80's and served as its President from 1997
to 1999. Her first contact was the TGRA Rodeo in Austin in
1988. It was an immediate infatuation. "I got hooked
seeing all the fun people were having watching all the cowboys
and cowgirls."
But she really got hooked when she first worked
as a volunteer. "Preston Porter made me help him one
rodeo that Austin was responsible for Chutes. Being that close
to all the action was a slight adrenaline rush. From that
point on I could not sit in the stands to watch a rodeo."
People who know Jeanne will probably agree with
her partner Denise when she says Jeanne stays around because
she enjoys the power and the yelling. Jeanne responds, "I
think it is the ability to put on a show for the crowd. I
want things to run well and for people to come back and bring
a friend. Butts in seats is the best way for us to make money
and help our communities."
Like many of us, there's something deeper that
moves her. she lost a lot of friends in the 80's and 90's.
We can't replace them, but keeping their sport alive allows
us to keep their memories with us.
When the talk turns to Finals Rodeo, her excitement
really begins to show. "I think that we will be putting
on a show that will be remembered for years to come. We work
well together when it is rodeo time and there is nothing that
we will let get in our way of making our guest feel welcome."
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