I spoke with three members of FGRA who traveled up to see the Finals Rodeo and they had nothing but good things to say. We were very interested in the changes to the running order that you all implemented, and how to best entertain the audience. Thanks for all your hard work.

Cowboy Luke

WOW and WOW!! I've been reading everyones emails about finals and was equally impressed with the turnout. Now I must admit that I don't know alot about events, rules etc, but WHAT A SHOW!!! All the cowgirls and cowboys were great, and the staff was so helpful with the contestants, and also with the entertainment.

That being said, the entertainment was so enjoyable! I mean being a part of it was great, but watching it was wonderful as well. I met some great performers, and even though I don't do orignal work, "yet" I'm still proud of the reaction that I got from the staff, contestants and the crowd. It's such a ego boost to meet new people and entertain in new places.

Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the event, and I'm lookin forward to gettin to entertain ya'll again soon!

Oklahoma's Cowboy Crooner,
Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald

You brought forward many long overdue changes... overall it was a huge success and hopefully a blueprint for continued improvements in what should be IGRA's most glorious event of the year.

Ken Pool

Finals in Texas was one of the best ever! I have been competing for 15 years and I cannot remember a better ran Rodeo! ...Congratulations to all of the Buckle Winners and Royalty. It was so good to have a strong California Contingency and I hope that the trend for Rodeo is on the "up-swing"... Looking forward to a terrific Finals in Reno Nevada in 2006 Had a great time in Texas.

David Smith

You guys did a great job with finals! ...I was pleased with the way the rodeo flowed. You should be proud of your accomplishments! I hope to be in Dallas for another finals rodeo in the not-too-distant future.

Mark Larson

I think I have finally recuperated from IGRA Finals and I wanted to send a thank you to TGRA for hosting Finals and putting on an incredible show! Everything was very organized and your wonderful southern hospitality was evident throughout the weekend.

I would like to thank everyone that made the Royalty Competition so enjoyable for all of us that competed. My thanks again to everyone for an incredible adventure! I look forward to seeing all of you out and about at Rodeos throughout the year and meeting new friends.

Let's Rodeo!
Rich Valdez
Mr. IGRA 2006, 2nd Runner Up

It was a fantastic weekend, rodeo, attendance, everything! It was my first finals rodeo, but I want to compliment the Grand Entry, especially The Turtle Creek Chorale, the riderless horse was TRULY moving. The announcers (all three played off each other beautifully) the great work of the chute and arena crews (all looking sharp in their great uniforms), and the Resistol Arena facility! I was truly proud to see this rodeo put such a good image on an already great but little known group! Attendance was wonderful, kind of reminds me of the early rodeos 20 years ago with the great attendance, hot men and women, and a whole lot of beer sales at the arena! ...The venders were great, loved seeing so many and so much neat stuff! And, the rodeo program came out beautifully! Roxine is surely to be complimented on ...her hard work and the great payoff!

All and all, a very well executed weekend. Congratulations to Mark Nicks and Karroll Parker on this one! Let's bring it back in 2007!!!

Sincerely,
Alan and Gary
Round Up Saloon

I think you all did an outstanding job. I know it isn't easy trying to please everyone ... From conversations I had with spectators, they seemed to really enjoy the show. I noticed the stands were pretty full for the whole rodeo. Also, not sure when we had a crowd like that for Finals. So whatever you did, it worked. At one point while I was watching, I looked down at the chutes. I mean really looked. The amount of volunteers and all, well, it sort of looked like what I see on TV with the PBR or PRCA rodeos.

Anyways, good job to you and those that worked with you. Look forward to doing more with TGRA (Dallas).

Charlie Colella

First I want to thank you ...for having faith in the job I do, to invite me to serve as chute coordinator for finals 2005. And listening to my concerns about the changes we were making. I wish I could get paid to be a chute coordinator full time. Not often we find something we love to do and get to do it often. I am so glad we pulled it off without a hitch, no serious injuries, and the crowd loved the show. I hope we can incorporate the idea into all the rodeos. A good job by all... I am very proud of the job my crew did. I feel very fortunate to be able to call on people to work so hard and they keep saying yes.

Thanks, I felt like I was part of a professional team.

Jay Beck

We wanted to let you know how much all your hard work showed this last weekend. The YEARS you spent in preparation really were apparent to us "spectators".

Thanks for a great show,
David and Greg

I can only imagine your feelings now that Finals is over for Dallas. You know that a heck of a job was done and ...a lot of GOOD work went into this Finals this year. I think we have a record setting attendance both for gay rodeo and Finals!

Michael Norman

I am trying to find out where we can watch the finals that was just done NOV 10-13th. My friend was there helping at the gates, Joe Richie, and he is wanting to watch it with us. Is this going to be on DISH network if so what time and channel..thanks.

Stephanie Beller

Thanks to everyone in TGRA for playing host this weekend. It was a pleasure being back home in TX to attend Finals. From what I saw, great turnout by spectators and they sure appeared to have a great time. Thanks again for taking on the challenge and giving back so much to the rodeo community.

Jabby

You instituted a lot of new and innovative approaches to Finals Rodeo that hadn't been tried before and for that I applaud you! We never learn what MIGHT HAVE BEEN if we don't stick our necks out a bit now and then.

Warmly,
Stella

Mac and Arena Crew...all the hard work paid off...the trustees said they had NEVER seen such a seemless effort of getting the rodeo set up and kept moving.

Jay and Chute Crew...ditto...the trustees were very impressed with how you were always ready for the next thing before it started.

Jeanne...congratuations on pulling off the vision that Mark set out.

Mark...I don't think you could have worked harder to make everything go off...I thought your plan, committee structure and willingness to delegate were very admirable...and WHAT A SHOW...you promised and delivered on that...BRAVO.

It takes a lot of people to make something like this work...and yes, it wasn't perfect...but it set a new standard for what IGRA might become...and for that we should all be proud.

Peace and a big hug to you all,
Jorge

I just wanted to say that I was there this past weekend and really had a good time.
I do not know who to actually contact, but I think it would be good to have a section at each Rodeo for a meet and greet idea. With certain times for people that go to meet others there and get to set up a group of acquaintances from various areas. Certain times with name tags so one can introduce themselves etc. Sit around chit chat, make a date or whatever. Other than just going to a bar.

Thanks,
Ranny Gunn