From Issue 3.2 - December 1996/January 1997
San Francisco celebrated another Leatherweek September 22-29, with a series of successful events. The 1996 Leatherwalk proceeded from Daddy's bar on Castro Street to the SF Eagle, raising a record $8,000 for the AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF). A new event this year, the Daddy's Leather Auction, raised $6,500 for the AEF. Friday saw two competing events, the annual Fetish and Fantasy Ball and dungeon party, and Mr. Drummer's Last Supper, sponsored by Mr. and Ms. International Deaf Leather, a roast of outgoing International Mr. Drummer David Walker.
The Mr. Drummer contest was held on Saturday. Although low key compared to previous years, the event featured 11 fine contestants (after Spain's Antonio Sanchez was unable to participate). When the judges' votes were tallied, the International Mr. Drummer title was awarded to Mr. Southern California Drummer Kyle Brandon of Los Angeles, with Mr. Northeast Drummer Ken Rosetti and Mr. Great Lakes Drummer Jerry Leigh as first and second runner-up, respectively. Denver's Mike DeNisco beat out 3 other contestants to win the International Drummer Boy title.
The day of the Folsom Street
Fair dawned foggy and chilly, to the delight of those who chose to
array themselves in full leather, and the chagrin of those who wanted
to show more skin. The sponsoring organization, SMMILE, reported an
excellent turnout of both merchants and revelers, and were able to
distribute $95,000 to beneficiaries including the HIV/AIDS Nightline,
Shanti, AEF, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.