Mr. Midwest Leather Contest held in Dubuque

(Leather Life column published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #260, May 13, 2005)

The first annual Mr. Midwest Leather Contest was held in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, April 9, at One Flite Up (44 Main Street). A Meet & Greet gathering, followed by a Leather & Lace drag show, had been held the preceding Friday evening.

Over 300 people attended the Friday and Saturday night events. Kevin Menning, owner of One Flite Up, was the event host for the weekend and is looking forward to the contest becoming an important annual event for the midwestern leather community.

The new Mr. Midwest Leather is Wes Kassulke of St. Louis. First runner-up was Todd McComb of Des Moines, and second runner-up was Walt Oberbroeckling of Dubuque.

Kassulke will compete in this year’s International Mr. Leather Contest, Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.

PHOTO: The newly chosen Mr. Midwest Leather 2005 is Wes Kassulke of St. Louis.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mister Marcus Hernandez

PHOTO: Mr. Midwest Leather Contest winners: Left to right, second runner-up Walt Oberbroeckling of Dubuque; Mr. Midwest Leather 2005 Wes Kassulke of St. Louis; and first runner-up Todd McComb of Des Moines.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mister Marcus Hernandez

PHOTO: Newly chosen Mr. Midwest Leather 2005 Wes Kassulke of St. Louis, left, is congratulated by International Mr. Leather 2003 John Pendal, right, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the contest.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mister Marcus Hernandez