Grit meets glitter at the Great Plains Rodeo
- by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
Get your chaps and spurs ready, because the rodeo is coming to town! This isn’t any rodeo; it’s the Great Plains Rodeo Association (GPRA), and there’ll be events you won’t see at any other rodeo.
Jeff Germany is the GPRA Rodeo Director, and he has been involved with GPRA for 14 years—starting back when it was OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) and continuing through the transition to GPRA.
“Being selected to serve as a Rodeo Director again is an incredible honor and something I do not take lightly,” Germany said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much over the years and to help ensure our rodeo family continues to grow and thrive.
Germany said this role carries even deeper meaning because he has the privilege of following in the footsteps of his beloved “Seester,” Paul Boyd.
“After Paul’s passing, I have felt an even stronger commitment to continue the work, passion, and love for rodeo that he shared with so many of us. He was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration whose legacy will always be a part of this association.”
Germany hopes to honor Paul Boyd’s memory by serving with the same integrity, compassion, and dedication that he exemplified.
“Every opportunity I have to represent our rodeo family is a tribute to him, and I am proud to carry that responsibility forward. I know he would want us to continue building a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community, and I am committed to doing just that.”
Germany has also held several titles in royalty throughout his rodeo journey.
“I proudly represented OGRA as Mr. OGRA 2013, followed by the incredible honor of serving as Mr. IGRA 2014,” said Germany. “Most recently, I was crowned Mr. GPRA 2023. These are titles I have been extremely proud to hold while representing our rodeo association. Each of these opportunities has been a privilege, allowing me to promote rodeo, support our community, and represent our association’s values with pride and dedication.”
Germany has more great rodeo news. In partnership with IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association, Oklahoma will be home for the World Gay Rodeo Finals (WGRF) for the next five years.
“We are incredibly excited that the World Gay Rodeo Finals will be calling Oklahoma home for the next five years,” Germany said. “This is a partnership between GPRA and IGRA, with the Canadian County Expo [El Reno, OK] serving as the host facility. It is a tremendous opportunity not only for our associations, but for the state of Oklahoma and the entire rodeo community.”
Weston Crow-Tucker has been a part of IGRA since 2017. He first joined when he lived in Colorado, then Texas. He is now on the board in Oklahoma as the Trustee for GPRA. He also serves on the IGRA board and is the Assistant Rodeo Director for the WGRF.
He was Mr. Colorado Gay Rodeo Association in 2022 and won Mr. IGRA for 2023.
“This is my third year of serving on the GPRA rodeo director team,” said Crow-Tucker. “I am on the World Gay Rodeo Finals rodeo director team now for my second year.”
Crow-Tucker grew up on a 6,400-acre ranch in Southeast Colorado.
“I competed in rodeo growing up, and finding the gay rodeo let me continue to do what I grew up loving but with a group of cowboys and cowgirls that accepted me for who I was as a gay man,” he said. “I have a rodeo family that many I am closer with than even my biological family, so gaining that love and support system is one of the most rewarding things.
“Secondly, getting to direct and compete in these rodeos and the camaraderie between so many people while still raising money doing so, to give back to our communities definitely makes it easier to travel all over because you know it’s something you love that will also help make a difference.”
Germany said the most rewarding part of being involved with GPRA/IGRA is the opportunity to promote the sport of rodeo while making a meaningful difference beyond the arena.
“Rodeo has brought so much into my life, and being able to give back is what makes it truly special,” Germany said. “What means the most to me is supporting our charity partners and giving back to the communities we serve.
“Through our events, we not only celebrate the traditions and camaraderie of rodeo, but we also raise funds and awareness for organizations that make a lasting impact. Knowing that our passion for rodeo helps improve the lives of others is incredibly rewarding, and it is one of the reasons I am so proud to be a part of the GPRA/IGRA family.”
Germany shared one of his favorite memories since he has been involved in the gay rodeo world.
“One of my funniest rodeo memories happened at the DSRA Rodeo [Diamond State Rodeo Association in Arkansas] while I was serving as Mr. IGRA 2014,” Germany explained. “I was competing in Goat Dressing, and as I took off running toward the goat, I suddenly heard my personal cheering squad—Frank, Paul, Shane, and Steve—yelling, ‘Silver Alert!’
“They were, of course, poking fun at my age, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was one of those classic moments that perfectly captures the spirit of our rodeo family,” Germany explained. “We compete hard, but we also know how to laugh at ourselves and each other. Those friendships, the good-natured teasing, and the memories we create together are just as meaningful as any buckle or title.”
Germany talked about the location of this year’s GPRA and the World Gay Finals Rodeo.
“The Canadian County Expo is a first-class facility that offers everything needed to host an event of this caliber,” Germany explained. “Oklahoma’s central location makes travel more convenient for contestants and spectators from across North America, and competitors consistently rave about the quality of the arena footing and the overall venue. It also provides the perfect setting for the annual IGRA Royalty Competition, allowing all of our major events to take place in one outstanding location.”
He said this accomplishment has been years in the making.
“I know our dear friend Paul [Boyd] always envisioned bringing the World Gay Rodeo Finals to Oklahoma, and I truly believe he would be thrilled to see that dream become a reality,” Germany said. “While many people have supported this effort, the credit for getting it across the finish line belongs to the tireless work and dedication of Weston Crow-Tucker, Candy Pratt, and Marcus ‘Boogie’ Hood. Their vision, persistence, and countless hours of work made this happen, and our rodeo family is grateful for everything they did to secure this incredible opportunity.
Germany continued, saying, “Hosting the Finals for the next five years is something we can all be proud of. It showcases what GPRA and Oklahoma have to offer while strengthening our partnership with IGRA, supporting our contestants, and continuing to grow the sport and our rodeo family for years to come.”
Both Germany and Crow-Tucker encourage everyone to come out to El Reno August 7 - 9 for Great Plains Rodeo 2026, and then again for WGRF October 22 - 25 to watch the top 20 contestants in each event compete and see the royalty contest also.
Both events will be held at the Canadian County Expo and Event Center, located at 3001 Jensen Rd E, El Reno, OK 73036. For more information, visit www.greatplainsrodeo.org.
The Gayly online. 7/22/26 @ 4:51 p.m. CST.