In front of a packed house, Travis Creston, sponsored by Joe's Barber Shop, was named Mr. San Francisco Leather last Saturday afternoon, Sep. 24 in the venue at 715 Harrison Street. The first runner-up was Matt Johnson, Mr. Powerhouse Leather.

A lobby full of glittering motorcycles manned by porno actors greeted the guests when they arrived and the sound, lighting and program were beyond comparison. With Gary Virginia, Mr. SF Leather 1996 celebrating his 10th anniversary as the title holder, he was chosen to be the master of ceremonies and managed to get a few "sly" digs at some of his favorite people in the audience.

The four contestants (Matt Johnson, Juan Carlos Pinedo, Steve Mayers and Travis Creston) faced judges Toro Camacho, Tommy Thomas, Michael Holeman, "Tiger," Shawn Carroll (from Ottawa, Canada), Richard Sprott and former Empress Sheba. They went through the usual categories and after a pair of brief intermissions plus a stint by a savvy magician (Timothy James), the tallies were ready.

In his 13 1/2-minute step aside speech, Toro Camacho touched briefly on his assessment of his year with the title: bringing Latino leather men into the leather tribe, AIDS awareness, a profound respect for activists that preceded him and his love of the leather/bdsm lifestyle. He received a standing, prolonged ovation and exited the stage with a huge bouquet of red roses presented by Sandy "Mama" Reinhardt.

But Toro's last "official" act as Mr. San Francisco Leather 2006 was sashing his successor. The scores had been tallied, Glenda Rider made a plea for support for the International Ms. Leather contest that is returning to San Francisco in 2007, then the "moment of truth" arrived. The announcement was made that the first runner-up was Matt Johnson, Mr. Powerhouse Leather. Bedlam ensued when Travis Creston was announced as winning the title that will take him to the international stage in Chicago next May to compete for the International Mr. Leather 2007 title.

His sponsor, Joe Gallagher nearly had a stroke. Flash cameras exploded amid a rush to the stage to congratulate the winner of San Francisco's highest leather title. Travis, a feisty young man (not hard on the eyes either) flashed his young, dazzling smile as Toro Camacho placed the gold medal around his neck

Hoang has a public service message for Folsom Street Fairgoers. Photo: Steven Underhill

and presented him with the Mr. San Francisco Leather 2007 vest patch. The hallelujahs rang up and down the eastern end of Harrison Street and it was over for another year. Dodger Allen, Jay Harcourt and the many volunteers, supporters and sponsors pulled it off without a hitch and so the tradition continues. Good luck in all future endeavors to Travis and especially in Chicago next May!

The Folsom Experience

It's difficult to describe the euphoria that prevails along seven blocks of the Miracle Mile, also known as Folsom Street each September, when thousands and thousands of men, women, dogs, snakes, parrots and freaky/kinky people converge to celebrate their kinkiness.

All manner of dress, costuming, make-up and glitter were on parade, and some very "interesting" naked men. Music blared on both ends of the fair and promptly at 12:30, almost 40 leather titleholders in full regalia were presented to the audience.

Mr. World Leather Kevin "Mufasa" Tindell and International MS. Leather "Lady Faye" took to the stage to introduce the array and they garnered huge applause from the onlookers. The sun was shining brightly but a cool breeze wafted over the mass of leather that stretched body to body up and down the world-famous street.

It was a splendiferous pastiche of leather in all its glory. Gawkers were caught unaware by the exposition. I never saw so many cameras capturing personal moments.

The leather-clad, booted, serious players were gathered in Mike McNamee's back yard enjoying libations and eats courtesy of Stompers Boots. This party is the "one to die for" in the opinion of veteran fair-goers and "newbies" alike.

Folsom 2006 was a smashing success; it's no wonder people keep coming back year after year to celebrate their leatherness. Hope to see you all here next year!

Eventures In Leather & Kink Sept./October 2006

Tony from Hot House Studios soaks up the rays at the Folsom Street Fair. Photo: Steven Underhill

Weekend Oct. 5-7

Dexter Edmond and boy Stallion step aside this weekend for the new International Leather Sir and boy and the International Bootblack in Dallas this weekend. The host hotel is the Crown Plaza.

Oct. 6-9

In Atlanta, it's Onyx Blackout 11 "Southern Heat" featuring the Leather Man of Color in Atlanta. For info: www.onyxmen.com

Sat. Oct. 7

Mr. New York Eagle Contest is tonight and the anniversary of the bar itself. The winner gets a $3000 cash prize and advances to compete for the IML 2007 title in Chicago next May.

In Arlington, VA. the Men of Discipline-DC Chapter stage the Mr. Old Dominion Leather Contest at Freddie's Bar. Winner advances to compete at MAL in January.

Bears of San Francisco will invade Six Flags-Sea World in the Sacramento Valley today, joining the Sacramento Valley Bears for this excursion.

Leather titleholders from around the world were presented on the 7th St. Stage at the Folsom Street Fair, MC'd by Mr. World Leather "Mufasa" and IMs.L, Lady Faye, Sunday, Sep. 24 in San Francisco. Photo: Rich Stadtmiller

Sun. Oct. 8

Phoenix Uniform Club's annual Fleet Week beer/soda bust at the Eagle Tavern from 1500 to 1800, touting beer, sun, uniforms, leather. Be there.

Weekend Oct. 13-15

In Vancouver, B.C., it's the Mr. and Ms. Vancouver Leather contests. For info, email to: bthicke@shaw.ca

Thursday, Oct. 12

Bears in Boxers party at the Lone Star Saloon from 2000-2300 that is a kick-off for Mr. Lone Star. The contest is on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1500.

Weekend Oct. 20-22

Mr. and Ms. Rio Grande Leather contests in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Host hotel is Nativo Lodge. For more info: wwwbod@nmleatherleague.org

O.C.L.A. Sampler XV in Palm Springs. Details? www.thecenteroc.org/ocla

Oklahoma Mr. Leather in Oklahoma City. Details follow.