BY ADAM LATHAM
Mr. San Diego Leather 2004
Wow, what a weekend. Everyone planned, worked, and hoped that the new San Diego Leather Pride event, ROMP San Diego, would be fun; but it turned out fantastic. Members the San Diego leather communities have been working hard for this, the very first year that the Mr. and Ms. San Diego Leather contests have been combined; and everything went splendidly. More than 100 people turned out in the woods above San Diego; the food was good; the company was great; and the participants were incredible.
Friday night kicked off the weekend with an official opening of ceremonies as well as a “meet and greet,” during which the judging panel was introduced to the attendees. Heading up the panel of judges was chief judge, Tom Dickerson (celebrating his 10-year anniversary as Mr. San Diego Leather 2002), Naria Jordan (also celebrating her 10thanniversary as Ms. San Diego Leather 2002) Ruby Empress Ajax, Hooker, Shann Carr, Eric Siglin, and tiger. The contestants were Wish, Aaron Duke, Kane and Scotty. Following the opening ceremonies, the dungeons were opened, and some impromptu fire play at the bonfire ensued, an event nicknamed ‘Cirque Du ROMP!’ by Hooker. A tradition that will definitely continue has been established. Fired-up bullwhips, jump ropes and marshmallows defined the festivities, all of which took place under a crystal-clear sky with more stars than any of us have seen in a long time. (Thanks to Lady Kimberr and her family for the flaming spectacle.)
Saturday morning, everyone awoke to breakfast out among the giant live oaks, hosted by the GSGRA-SD Rodeo Folks. Not long after breakfast, judges and contestants decamped to perform contestant interviews. Meanwhile, everyone else had a chance to take in the mountain air. Next year, a motorcycle ride will be scheduled for Saturday morning, as the area around Live Oak Springs is perfect for a ride, as it straddles the Tecate Divide. Later in the afternoon the contest drew everyone out to an open area, where the contest proceedings were deftly emceed by Karen Ultra and Loren Berthelsen. They did it right; dressed in matching boy scout uniforms. They kept us laughing and kept the show moving. The breaks were highlighted by Loren’s professional comic sets. By all accounts, every one of the contestants did a great job. There were insightful speeches, some hot fantasies, and of course, a bountiful amount of skin. After the contest, everybody met for the Club Colors Progressive Cocktail Reception. A number of clubs offered drinks, drunken gummi bears, and the Family Health Center gave out free condoms and lube. The cocktail reception ended at the banquet and everyone feasted on a spread of barbeque that got rave reviews for tastiness. During the banquet, winners were announced by the San Diego Leather Pride producers; and sashes were bestowed by Mark Holmes, Mr. San Diego Leather 1984; and Annie Romano, Ms. San Diego Leather 1998 and Ms. World Leather 2000.
The new titleholders for the coming year:
Ms. San Diego Leather 2012 – Wish
Mr. San Diego Leather 2012 – Aaron Duke
Wasting no time, the Dungeons opened to some great play as the new titleholders hosted a cigar and scotch social.
Sunday morning featured a brunch and a keynote address by Karen Ultra. The consensus was that her speech really got everyone thinking. We thought she was just pretty and quick-witted, but she actually made the earth move during her address. No really; there was a rare “cluster-quake” seismic event that reached 5.3 on the Richter Scale.
A few special awards were also given, including Club Spirit, which went to CCMC. Spirit of Leather Pride was awarded to Vonn Tramel, and Annie was awarded Pig of the Party for hogging all the tops in the ROMPer Room.
Wrapping up the weekend, goodbyes were said; tents torn down and equipment packed up, while hugs passed all around. In the last few days the Internet has lit up with a lot of comments about the newest leather event in (or around) San Diego. Thanks to everybody who worked hard, volunteered, drove out of their way, and gave of their amazing energy to help make ROMP San Diego a huge success. We’re already booked for next year, same leather-time, same leather-station.
