By Adam Latham
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. We’ve been working hard for this, the very first year that the Mr. & Ms. San Diego Leather contests have been combined, and everything went splendidly. Well over 100 people turned out in the woods above San Diego; the food was good, the company was great, and you all were incredible.
Friday night kicked off the weekend with Opening Ceremonies and Meet & Greet, where our esteemed judging panel was introduced to the attendees. Heading up the Panel of Judges was our Chief Judge, Tom Dickerson (celebrating his 10 year anniversary as Mr. San Diego Leather 2002), Naria Jordan (also celebrating her 10th anniversary 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.
After Opening Ceremonies, the Dungeons were opened, and some impromptu fire play at the bonfire, nicknamed ‘Cirque Du ROMP!’ by Hooker gave us a tradition that will definitely continue. Fired-up bullwhips, jumpropes & marshmallows 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 everybody woke to a great breakfast out among the giant Live Oaks, hosted by the GSGRA-SD Rodeo Folks. They did a great job, and people got their fill to start the day off right. The judges and contestants decamped to perform the interviews, while everybody else had a chance to take in the mountain air. Next year, we will be adding a motorcycle ride Saturday morning, as the area around Live Oak Springs is perfect for a ride, straddling the Tecate Divide.
Later in the afternoon the contest drew everybody back out to the open area, it was deftly emceed by Karen Ultra and Loren Berthelsen. They did it right, dressed in matching scout uniforms, they kept us laughing and kept the show moving. The breaks were highlighted by Loren’s professional comic sets. All 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 super tasty barbeque, where the 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 & Ms World Leather 2001.
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. There is nothing quite like the sounds of kinky play out in the mountain night air!
Sunday morning was a good brunch with a key note address by Karen Ultra that really got everyone thinking. We thought she was just pretty and quick witted, but she actually made the earth move during her address with a rare cluster-quake, reaching a 5.3 on the Richter.
A few awards were given; Club Spirit 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!
At last goodbyes were said, the tents torn down and equipment packed up, and hugs passed all around. In the last few days the internet has lit up with a lot of great comments about the newest little run in San Diego. Thanks to everybody that 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!
Thanks everybody for a ROMPing good time!
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