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CHICAGO-IL --The world’s hottest leathermen will once again come together to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather, Thursday, May 25 through Monday, May 29, 2006 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago. IML is pleased to announce an exciting new location for the 28th annual contest: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. The new Contest venue is located just blocks from this year’s host hotel, The Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe Street. Comedian and entertainer Bruce Vilanch is confirmed as the headline entertainment at this year’s Contest.

The Palmer House Hilton has a few rooms available, however IML has secured an additional block of overflow rooms at the nearby Renaissance Chicago Downtown, 1 W. Wacker Drive. IML attendees will receive a special discounted rate. For reservations, call (800) 228-9290. Weekend Event Packages and single tickets to individual IML events are still available.

Leather clubs and organizations from around the world are once again invited to participate in the celebrated Parade of Colors at the IML Closing Ceremonies. Club representatives should sign-up at the IML Registration Desk by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Additionally, the 2006 IML Flag will be unveiled at Opening Ceremonies, then displayed at the Leather Archives booth throughout the weekend for all IML attendees to sign. At Closing Ceremonies, this year’s winners will be the last to add their signatures before the Flag goes on permanent display at Chicago’s Leather Archives and Museum.

About 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 community – drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for “hardcore” 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 leatherfolk from around the globe.

International Mr. Leather 2006 will include the following events:

28th Annual International Mr. Leather Competition presented by Miller Beer

Sunday, May 28 at 5 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.)

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago

14th Annual International Mr. Bootblack Competition presented by Bootwerks

Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28

Palmer House Hilton, Leather Market

The Leather Market – the world’s best collection of leather and fetish vendors.

Friday, May 26 from 12 – 7 p.m., Saturday, May 27 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, May 28 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Monday, May 29 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Palmer House Hilton, exhibit halls

IML Opening Ceremonies presented by Recon.com

Introduction of contestants and judges, drawing for contestant numbers and unveiling of IML 2006 Flag.

Thursday, May 25 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.)

Palmer House Hilton, Grand Ballroom

Pecs & Personality (Physique Competition) presented by Interactive Male

IML Contestants are judged on their appearance and stage presence.

Saturday, May 27 at 9 p.m. (door open at 8 p.m.)

Palmer House Hilton, Grand Ballroom

Salute! - IML Closing Ceremonies presented by Leatherpost.com

Introduction of 2006 winners, “parade of colors” featuring leather clubs and organizations from around the globe and signing of IML Flag.

Sunday, May 28 at 11 p.m. (door open at 10 p.m.)

Palmer House Hilton, Grand Ballroom

IML Victory Celebration Party presented by Leatherpost.com

With DJ Bill Bennett

Sunday, May 28 after the IML Contest until 4 a.m.

House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago

Black and Blue Ball presented by Recon.com

The traditional IML final blowout celebration. With DJ Circuit Mom.

Monday, May 29 from 8 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St., Chicago

International Mr. Leather contestants are judged on a variety of criteria including community involvement, speech, presentation and overall presence. The winner of the IML 2006 Contest will receive a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community. Complete contestant information, including contestant applications, can be found at www.imrl.com.

Michael Egdes, Mr. Ramrod 2004, was named International Mr. Leather 2005, winning over a field of 52 contestants from six countries, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Dodger Allen, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2005, was named 1st runner up. Alan J. Bowers, M.D., Mr. Louisiana Leather 2005, was named 2nd runner up.

The 2006 International Mr. Leather Judges include: Michael Egdes (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Larry Barat (Washington, D.C.), Michael Congdon (Seattle, WA), Mark Frazier (Dallas, TX), Mike “Stallion” Fry (Dallas, TX), Kendra McClain (Indianapolis, IN) Bob Miller (Chicago, IL), Matthias Peuser (Arnhem, The Netherlands) and Jayne Schmid (Ontario, Canada). The 2006 IML Tally Masters include: Matt Denney (Dallas, TX) and Brent McGuinness (Chicago, IL).

The 14th Annual International Mr. Bootblack Competition will be held Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28 in the Leather Market at The Palmer House Hilton. The winner will be selected by the vote of IML Weekend Package-holders. Each paid weekend package includes a ballot for the competition that can be cast for the bootblack of the holder’s choice. The winner will be announced at the International Mr. Leather Competition on Sunday, May 28. Arthur “Boo Boo” Funni, sponsored by Great Lakes Leather Alliance (GLLA) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Laws Leather of Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded International Mr. Bootblack 2005.

The Leather Market, located at The Palmer House Hilton, will feature the world’s biggest collection of leather/fetish vendors. More than 15,000 people visited the Leather Market in 2005. Admission to the Leather Market is included with all Weekend Packages. For all other visitors, a suggested donation of $2.00 will benefit The Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago. The $2.00 Day Pass can be purchased at The Palmer House Hilton throughout the weekend. A complete list of vendors can be found at www.imrl.com.

IML 2006 Weekend Event Packages cost $150 and include: admission to the International Mr. Leather 2006 competition, admission to all other official IML events (Opening Ceremonies, Physique Competition, Salute! - Closing Ceremonies, IML Victory Celebration Party and the Black and Blue Ball), free admission to the Leather Market, free shuttle bus service, an official IML 2006 t-shirt and poster plus special yearly giveaways.

IML Weekend Packages can be purchased online at www.boxofficetickets.com; by calling (800) 494-TIXS (Intl. (503) 245-0288); or via facsimile at (800) FAX-TIXS (Intl. (503) 245-0290). IML Weekend Packages will be available for pickup or purchase in the IML Registration area beginning Thursday, May 25. Cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee. There will be no cancellations after April 30th, 2006.

Tickets to individual IML 2006 events are available at www.boxofficetickets.com and will be sold at The Palmer House Hilton throughout IML Weekend. Single ticket prices are as follows: International Mr. Leather Competition ($40), IML Opening Ceremonies ($25), Pecs & Personality ($25), Salute! – Closing Ceremonies ($10) and Black and Blue Ball ($25). Please note: Single tickets to the IML Victory Celebration Party ($40) are only available through the House of Blues, by calling (312) 923-2000.

The Chicago Free Press GoGuide is the print media sponsor of International Mr. Leather 2006. American Airlines is the Official Airline of IML. For fare discounts, travelers should contact American Airlines at (800) 433-1790 and identify themselves as IML attendees with Star File #8856AH. Additional IML sponsors include Wet International and Folsom Street Events.

For more information on International Mr. Leather 2005, log on to the official IML website, www.imrl.com.