Arizona Gay Rodeo Association

sh Tanner won the title of Miss Reno National Gay Rodeo. Arizona came to life in the fall of 1984 when John King decided to open a second Charlie's in Phoenix. The bar opened in early November and since John and Kenny Cunitz lived and breathed rodeo, it was only a matter of weeks before the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA) formed. In December 1984 the new group targeted January of 1986 for their first rodeo. Arizona became the fifth state to host a gay rodeo and the event took place in the most unique arena facility on the south side of Phoenix: a Mexican Charro rodeo arena with an attached dance hall known as the Corona Ranch. AGRA is proud to be one of the 5 founding members of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) and priveleged to hold the Arizona heat for the International Rodeo league.