Palm Springs Leather Pride 2003
November 6-9, 2003
| Left to right: Drew Cirner (Contestant #1), Mr. Palm
Springs Leather 2004 Jack Beneville (selected in HEAVEN to give 'em Hell
in Chicago), Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2003 Don Mentink, First Runner-Up
Rick Yarbrough and Chris Roddy (Contestant #3). |
Publicity, and Photos:
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Banquet |
 |
Meet the Meat |
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Vendor Faire |
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Contest |
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Well-Wishers |
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Personal Photos |
| On Saturday, November 8, Jack Beneville became the new Mr. Palm Springs
Leather for 2004. He was chosen by a heavyweight panel of well-respected
judges including the current International Mr. Leather John Pendal (who
flew in from London for the weekend's events), Mama Reinhardt from San
Francisco, and Head Judge Ray Perea (the first International Mr. Drummer
from 1981).
The biggest news for the weekend was the incredible turnout. Over 160 weekend packages were sold, and approximately 400 people attended the contest at the dance bar named "HEAVEN". Leatherfolk from all over the USA came to celebrate Palm Springs Leather Pride, and the numbers at each A-level event surrounding the contest were much bigger than ever before. There was a Leather Vendor section for the first time, and the first annual Meet the Meat parking-lot party outside the Toolshed was very well-attended. Best of all, it was obvious that the team that planned and completed the whole experience worked together like fine machinery. There was a huge team of volunteers and committee chairs, and they worked long after they needed to, out of sheer dedication and honor. They appear to be coping well with rapid gowth and successes. It was a breakthrough weekend for this fine city, and Palm Springs Leather Pride has now become a growing, popular and successful new annual tourist destination. Expect big changes for next year! |