This year’s Coronation, happening on April 15th at the Days Inn on Macleod Trail, marks the end of one of the most successful years of fundraising in recent court history. Under the Guidance of Emperor XXVIII  Alexander Star DeKnight and Empress XXVIII Erica Devine, the court put in a lot of hard work – and it sure paid off!

"It was in part due to combining with Mz. Rhonda’s toy drive, which was her most successful year as well. That helped, in addition to shooter bars, the shows at Solar Café, Metro Boyztown and Twisted Element, BBQ’s at the Backlot and Money Pennies, dinners and pool tournaments at the Eagle – it was a combination of getting the community out and different ways of fundraising. It made for quite the year," Devine told GayCalgary.com.

"It was a lot of hard work and commitment. You can’t raise a lot of money without a lot of events. It was a pretty steady paced year, not a lot of time to relax if we weren’t away, we were doing events a couple of times a week every week for the entire year. Court events tend to happen more on the weekend. We run full throttle from coronation to step down," added DeKnight.

It takes a great deal of effort and sacrifice when elected to the role. DeKnight described it as taking on a second job while Devine talked about what it takes, clearing up some misconceptions.

"We do have a handbook of things we take care of and do in the community, for example we must host a minimum of six functions each and travel four times as goodwill ambassadors. I did eight, Alexander did four himself. It is also [about] being there, listening and interacting with the community. It is hard to get activities going in every bar. Some have the misconception that the money raised is used for wigs, makeup and hair but nothing could be further from the truth. I have paid for my travel myself, and put a lot of money into it myself. The money [we raise] is going to charity."

The travel, while out of pocket, is one of the highlights.

"I did a lot more traveling this year, on 8 trips to places like Alaska, Portland, Montana, San Francisco, Vancouver, Surrey, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. Alexander went to Halifax, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Regina. The San Francisco trip was a big highlight because it was the 40th anniversary of the whole court system.  That was quite the extravaganza and party."

The Coronation is a chance to celebrate those whose efforts have paid off. In addition to the Emperor and Empress, stepping down with them will be Prince Papa Johnwolf and Princess Dyna Mite, Duke Sir Wayne and Duchess BB Edwards and entertainer of the year Kim Wood.

"It is a celebration of our year. Dinner is included and we have a number of production numbers and events from businesses, as well as every court in Canada will be in attendance, [with] guests from the US. That night we will crown a new Emperor and Empress. This year’s theme is "From Broadway to the Big Screen: A celebration of theatre and song." We are encouraging people to do Broadway or Soundtrack numbers and have fun with it," she said.

Both monarchs wanted to extend their thanks to all of those that helped make 2004/2005 a great year.

"We would like to thank all the different bars and businesses and the community support, and hope they will come out and celebrate."

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic ISCCA |