- Mr. Bluegrass Leather 2015 Mark Hurte with Bluegrass Leather producer Sam Clemons. (Photo by Terry Evans)
LEXINGTON – In front of a packed house at Crossings Lexington this past weekend, Producer Sam Clemons and Emcee “Big D” Lyons welcomed leathermen and women from across the country as the Mr. Bluegrass Leather contest was reborn.
Friday night kicked off the weekend with a chance for the crowd to meet and greet the contestants and judges. Three contestants introduced themselves and previewed auction baskets they had assembled to be sold at the contest Saturday night. The contestants for Mr. Bluegrass Leather 2015 were Dante D, current Mr. Crossings Leather KyBigdaddy Mark- Mark Hurte, and former Mr. Kentucky Bourbon Bear and North American Bear Hunter Jack. Other activities of the evening included an introduction of the judges and staff and performances by Trinity and Tomika Taylor.
Saturday afternoon marked a chance for the judges to get to know the contestants as Head Judge Jeremy Morris and his team of four judges (Ms. Mory, Todd Maynard, Marcus Carmicle, and Dennis Wood) talked with them about their knowledge of leather culture, future plans and kinky thoughts at closed door interviews. Later that evening, Big D fired up the crowd and the contest was underway. Between the categories of Leather Image, Fetish/Fantasy Wear & On Stage Question, and Formal Wear & Speech, the contestant raffle baskets and other donated items were auctioned off and the Connell-Stanley Leatherperson of the Year Award was presented.
The Connell-Stanley Leatherperson of the Year award was created to honor the years of service and dedication of two true men of leather: Bobby Connell and Larry Stanley. In an unprecedented online vote by members of the Leather community, contestant two KYBigdaddy Mark was presented this year’s award. Later, producer Sam Clemons noted that all of Mark’s community efforts this year were to honor Bobby Connell with his hard work.
Just after midnight on Sunday, Sept. 28, Big D and Sam Clemons summoned the judges and contestants to the stage to announce who would represent the leather tribe of Kentucky in the community and at International Mister Leather 37 in May. First runner up was awarded to Dante D, and to thunderous applauseKYBigdaddy Mark was named Mr. Bluegrass Leather 2015.
Mark will be the face of the Leather men and women of the Bluegrass on the national stage and at IML37 with his motto of “Let’s be B.A.D.” Mark says that, for a majority of people, including our LBGT and Leather community members, depression remains a “silent stalker” and goes untreated. Being “B.A.D” means to Become, Accept and Determine” in the face of this debilitating condition. As you see Mark out in the community, ask him to explain more about his platform and how we can join together to be “B.A.D”
For more information, on the contest, judges, or the Connell-Stanley award, visit www.mrbluegrassleather.com.
