What I learned at Leather Camp: Wichita, Kansas

Leather runs and contests come in all shapes and sizes. IML, the grandaddy of them all, offers something for almost every taste, with thousands of Leather clad men, giant dance parties and an enormous vendor mart. Often small runs are neglected in favor of attending larger events. This weekend I was the guest of Wichita's local Leather club, WOOLF, at their annual run, Leather Camp VI. This run includes their regional contest, Central Plains LeatherSIR/Leatherboy/Community Bootblack, a feeder to the International contest in July.

Although there was only one bootblack competing this year, future years should see a more robust field of contestants. Young, Mid-West Leatherboys were in abundance. And there were the volunteers that worked seamlessly together to create a great contest and run.

This club knows how to treat an International Titleholder! From the moment I arrived in Wichita until my departure, someone was always close by to tend to my needs. What stood out was the fact that the event's success did not seem to rely on one or two people. The club had spread around tasks. And if a conflict arose in the course of the weekend, I was unaware of it. No politics or drama. A well-run event suggests a good club where all members take part.

WOOLF set a high standard of hospitality for the rest of the year. I expect to see some great regional titleholders coming out of Central Plains in the years ahead.

Thank you, Wichita!