International LeatherSIR® / Leatherboy®
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Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR, Leatherboy, & Community Bootblack 2007 Contest ResultsP R E S S R E L E A S E
Jul 14, 2007, Baltimore, MD - The Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR, Leatherboy & Community Bootblack 2007 contest was held this weekend in Baltimore, MD. The contestants and judges arrived at the meet and greet at Club Phoenix (located at 1 West Biddle Street in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon district). The contestants and judges had an early start with pre-judging interviews at the Phoenix on Saturday morning before proceeding to Club Hippo (located at 1 West Eager Street — also located in the Mount Vernon District). This was the inaugural year for Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack. A special "thank you" goes out to International Community Bootblack 2006, Henry James, for assisting the staff with preparations for the contest. Henry’s assistance in managing the bootblack contestants was extremely helpful. 
Left to Right: Eric Crouse, Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2007, SIR Eric Samuelson, Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2007; Luke Emel, Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2007 With a flurry of activity the contestants prepared themselves to face a live audience in addition to the panel of judges. The silent auction and 50/50 raffle ticket sales began at 2:00 PM and the contest got under way on time at 3:00 PM. Following opening ceremonies, including the national anthem as sung live by Baltimore’s own Michael Zito, the contest got down to business with the bootblack introductions and onstage question. The bootblacks were followed by the LeatherSIR and Leatherboy physique competition (otherwise known as the Jock contest). The crowd cheered as the 2007 contestants began to show the audience their "assets" on stage for all to witness. As the contestants caught their breath and prepared for the fantasy portion of the contest, the audience and judges were entertained by live singing performances by International Recording Artist and two-time Pill Award nominee, The Undeniable (http://www.myspace.com/undub). The Undeniable's debut album went on sale just in time for the contest and can be downloaded from his web site for just $7.00 until August 1st, 2007. The boy contestants, Luke Emel and Al Wunder, presented their fantasies followed by the SIR, Eric Samuelson. After a quick break and Mama Reinhardt's family photos, the contest got back on track with the final segment — Leather Image and Speech. The contestants were then excuses as the Tally Master (Brian Keurze), added up the scores to determine the winner. The winner of the 50/50 Raffle generously donated the $100 in winnings back to the travel fund for the soon to be announced winners of the competition. Following the 50/50 draw, the outgoing titleholders, SIR Ryan Tittel and boy Justin Costellos gave brief step-aside speeches and the contestants were brought to the stage to announce the winners. Boy contestant #2, Al Wunder, was announced as the winner of the Brotherhood Award for outstanding leather brotherhood throughout the weekend. With hearts in their throats, the contestants held their breath as the winner were announced. Eric Crouse was announced as the first ever Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack and waited with baited breath to see with whom he would be traveling to the International contest. Maryland Leatherboy 2007, Luke Emel was announced as the new Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy for 2007 and Maryland LeatherSIR 2007, Eric Samuelson was announced as the new Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR for 2007. As the paparazzi and press began their photo shoot, the crowd filed out of the Hippo and the contestants were finally able to relax and have fun the rest of the evening at Club Phoenix for the victory celebration party. The producer of the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR, Leatherboy, and Community Bootblack 2007 producer, Robert Davis, would like to thank the judges for a job well done. The judges for this weekend were: Executive Producer of IMsL, Glenda Rider; International Leatherboy 2004, "Ivan" Reyes; Master DERO from Washington, DC; Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy 2000, Derick Rojas; Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2003, Mike Mitchell; Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2006, Ryan Tittel; and Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2006, Justin Costellos.
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