Golden Boot 2025
Awarded to Jean-Marc Robichaud & Joel Smith
by Jim Babcock
at Hitchhike Across the Galaxy, 2025
The Presentation
Once upon a time, in a northern land of emeralds and puddles, there lived a man with a vision to bring square dancing to the gay community. His efforts produced several clubs, handbooks, and videos. That man was Art Smith, and in 1983 his club, Puddletown Squares, presented him with this very boot to recognize those efforts. It took some time, but Art decided that this recognition should be continued, and so, he presented South Florida Mustangs with a plaque at the 1985 Denver convention. Thus the Golden Boot tradition was born, and continues annually to this very day, COVID pandemics notwithstanding.
“It is better to give than to receive the Golden Boot, but receiving it sure feels good.”
Last year I was honored to be the recipient of this Golden Boot, bestowed by James Ozanich. And apparently at the time, I had a lot to say, (thanks Bill Eyler), but the whole thing is a bit of a blur. Anyone remember? Anyway, this put me in with an esteemed group of individuals who have given countless hours of service in the name of LGBTQ+ square dancing. James and all y’all others who have received the Golden Boot, please stand and be recognized, You are an inspiration, a treasure, and a credit to us all.
[wait for applause to subside]
Now, the opportunity to give is here again.
“All square dancers are created equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Many IAGSDC luminaries, such as Harlan Kerr, Karl Jaeckel, Anne Uebelacker, Paul Waters have enumerated long lists of qualities recommended for considering the next Golden Boot. To save time, I encourage you to review those on the History Wiki. iagsdchistoru.org. [Sorry, not sorry, for the plug but I could not help myself!] The most luminous of these luminaries, Allan Hurst, provided the briefest list - unusually succinct for Allan, His three-points: Be yourself. Be kind to others. Help square dancing as much as you can, as often as you can.
Freeman Stamper was not kidding when he said there would be many sleepless nights, tossing and turning in anguish with coming to a decision. Some knew right away who they would choose. It took me months! There are so many of you who are deserve of this, but there can only be one. Except for those times there were two, or three, or four. And as Freeman promised, we have to make peace with our choice, and so, please join me in congratulating this year's Golden Boot recipients: Jean-Marc Robichaud & Joel Smith.
(pause for them to come up to stage)
I didn't play the guessing game with youecause I wanted the fullest shock value, and embarrass them on stage with all their wonderful qualities. Together, and separately, they
- CO-FOUND A Club (Ottawa Date Squares)
- ATTEND GCA caller school
- SERVE as President for their Club
- ORGANIZE fly-ins (Chase the Bunny, Harvest Ball, Veer North)
- LEAD as an IAGSDC officer
- LIAISE with a regional square dance association
- MAKE conventions happen, as chair, co-chair, communications websites
- PRODUCE a radio square dance soap opera (All My Lesbian and Gay Square Dance Children)
Knowing their affinity for bear culture, I assembled a bear care package for them. The centerpiece being a pair of bear figurines. Some sweets, some booze, some fun stuff, and a pair of badges for the soon to be revived Running Bear Squares club.
Thank you Jean-Marc and Joel. You deserve this.
