History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Events - Leather/ Levi/ Biker Runs

 
- At A Glance -
Dates:

  • First Argonauts Run held about 1976.
  • Since 1995 has been at a Farm near Hilbert, WI.
  • Is presently a Joint Run between Argonauts of Green Bay, and Castways M.C. of Milwaukee.
  • Venue for annual Mr. Northwoods competition since 1989.

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    Firsts:

    		 
           
     

    The Argonauts annual run started as Winterfest before moving to August. Some of the early outdoor runs were nicknamed Typhoon 1 and Typhoon 3 due to torrential downpours.

    In about 1989, the event began to include the annual contest for a title, Mr. Northwoods.

    The Run has been held at various locations over the years. These included:

    • Manhole in Green Bay (now a bank parking lot)- run held there a long time (approx 1976-81)
    • Body Shop bar in Green Bay- held there about 5 years (owned by Joe + Mike) (approx 1982-86)
    • Papa Joe's sister's ranch- held there 2 years (approx 1987-89)
    • Marshall Hallers- held there about 5 years (approx 1990-94)
    • The Farm- since about 1995. The Run became the Joint Run with Castaways M.C. of Milwaukee in about 1996.

    View images of the Joint Run in August 2005.

    Site of the Run since about 1995: The Farm, near Hilbert, Wisconsin.

    The Farm near Hilbert, Wisconsin The Farm Kites at the Farm, 2005
    The Barn The Barn The Barn
    Interior of The Barn Interior of The Barn Interior of The Barn
    Memorial Garden Memorial Garden Memorial Garden

    2006 Run:

    Flyer for Joint Run 2006

    Credits: design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
    Last updated: February-2011.