IML 2007 events

IML 2007 events
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
May 8, 2007.

CHICAGO - International Mr. Leather will be held Thursday, May 24, through Monday, May 28. The contest will be held at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, is the official host hotel and is now sold out. However, IML has secured a block of overflow rooms at Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan. Actor, stand-up comedian and musician Hal Sparks has just signed as the headline entertainment at the contest.

Approximately 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for the leather and fetish community - drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for “hard-core” leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd - from the experienced to the curious. Last year’s event drew more than 15,000 guests from around the world.

IML 2007 will include the following main events:

* 29th annual International Mr. Leather Competition, presented by Miller Beer, on Sunday, May 27, at 5 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.)
* 15th annual International Mr. Bootblack Competition, presented by Bootwerks, on Friday, May 25, through Sunday, May 27, at the Palmer House Hilton.
* The Leather Market will include a vast collection of leather and fetish vendors.
* IML Opening Ceremonies, presented by Recon, and the introduction of contestants and judges, drawing for contestant numbers and unveiling of the IML 2007 Flag, on Thursday, May 24, at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.), at the Palmer House Hilton.
* Pecs & Personality (Physique Competition) - IML contestants are judged on their appearance and stage presence, on Saturday, May 26, at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.), at the Palmer House Hilton.
* “Salute!” - IML Closing Ceremonies - Introduction of 2007 winners, “parade of colors” featuring leather clubs and organizations from around the globe and signing of the IML Flag, on Sunday, May 27, at 11 p.m. (doors open at 10 p.m.), at the Palmer House Hilton.
* IML Victory celebration party, Sunday, May 27, after the IML Contest until 4 a.m., at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn.
* “Black and Blue Ball,” presented by Recon. The traditional IML final blowout celebration, on Monday, May 28, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn.

International Mr. Leather contestants are judged on a variety of criteria including community involvement, speech, presentation and overall presence. The winner of the IML 2007 Contest will receive a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community.

IML weekend packages can be purchased online at www.imrl.com and click on the Box Office Tickets link or at www.boxofficetickets.com; by calling 800-494-TIXS (Intl. 503-245-0288); or via facsimile at 800-FAX-TIXS (Intl. 503-245-0290). Weekend Packages should be picked up at the Palmer House Hilton beginning Thursday, May 24, in the afternoon through Sunday, May 27.

For more information and contestant information, including contestant applications, visit www.imrl.com.