Tickets and Coronation Information Now Online!
Released: Friday June 19, 2009 (ISCWR)
We are very excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for Edmonton Coronation 34! You can purchase tickets online at:
http://www.gayedmonton.org/Coronation.aspx
Purchase a table of 8 and get a reserved table closest to the entertainment (available to online purchases only)! Can’t come to Coronation 34? You can still support the ISCWR by purchasing a ticket for a youth from Camp Fyrefly to attend! Give a youth a gift they will remember a lifetime!
Tickets are also available at Prism Bar & Grill and Boots Lounge (and soon at Play Nightclub and Buddy’s!).
Please note that there are now currently only 200 tickets available for Coronation 34 so be sure to get your tickets early so you don’t miss what promises to be a magical night!
Please go to our official Coronation 34 webpage for all of the details including:
- Purchase Ball Tickets, Victory Brunch Tickets, and Sponsor a Youth Tickets (10% Discount if purchased by July 31!)
- Purchase Ball Program Ads (10% Discount if purchased by July 31!)
- Complete listing of coronation week events
- Protocol Submission
- Hotel Information
- Transportation Information
For any questions, please contact Ball Coordinator Leah Way at or Empress XXXIII Marni Gras at !
Someone attending Coronation 34 WILL WIN a vacation for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico courtesy of iTravel2000 and the San Marino Resort!
Book your flight though Westjet and receive a 10% discount on the lowest online price! (See the Coronation web page for complete details)!
Special thanks to Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine for hosting and updating the ISCWR Coronation Web page!
What a Difference a Year, and a Comunity, Can Make
Released: Saturday May 30, 2009 (ISCWR)
The ISCWR began it's 33rd reign one year ago tonight. We'd normally be celebrating our Coronation this weekend, however, since we moved it to August, we are simply left with the reflection that such an anniversary brings. I had put a lot of thought into what I would say through this statement...and then something happened tonight that I want to share with you instead that really puts into focus why we do what we do.
We had gone to meet our neighbors who had just welcomed their newborn son. After a few minutes, they asked "are you...the people from TV? Did you run the marathon in a cheerleader outfit?". After we confirmed their suspition, they went on to share this story.
Just recently, their friend had given birth to a tiny, premature baby. This baby was very, very sick. The mom of this sick, little baby told this family that they spent many hours holding their son in these aweful, hard chairs. It was a terrible time. Then one day, this new chair arrived and everything changed. It was so much better to hold their baby. Two days later, their little boy passed away in their arms while sitting in one of the ISCWR chairs at the NICU.
Just imagine...through the genorosity and love of this community and the hard work of the members of the ISCWR...a family, going through the most difficult moments imaginable...were given such a gift...to hold their child in the final days of his life...in peace and comfort.
It is moments like this that make EVERYTHING worthwhile.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we thank you all for your continued support of the ISCWR and look forward to seeing you all...three months from tonight at Coronation 34!
Westjet Offers Discount on Flights to Edmonton Coronation 34!!!
Released: Thursday May 14, 2009 (ISCWR)
Westjet, major sponsor of the ISCWR's 33rd Reign and Coronation 34, is offering a 10% discount on all flights booked to Edmonton for Coronation 34 for travel between August 23, 2009 and September 2, 2009! This is a further discount to Westjet's best availabe fare at the time of booking!
Book your flights at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.westjet.com and be sure to enter promo code QC6070 to take advantage of this great deal! You can also call Westjet's convention line directly at 1-877-952-4696 to book your flgiht to Coronation 34!
Remember to buy your "Wings of Hope" from any of our members to get your name into a draw for two free flights anywhere Westjet flies! This "Gift of Flight" will be given away at Coronation 34!
Someone attending Coronation 34 WILL WIN a vacation for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico including flight and all inclusive accomodations at the San Marino Resort courtesy of iTravel2000!
There are just too many reasons for you to enjoy Edmonton in August!
Angel Day at the Royal Alexandra Hospital
Released: Thursday April 30, 2009 (ISCWR)
Read the full article:
Angel Day at the Royal Alexandra Hospital
Pom Pom fund finishes over $12,000!
Released: Tuesday December 16, 2008 (ISCWR)
I wish to congratulate Ivanna Diamonds and all members of the ISCWR for a most wonderful Miss Mary Christmas show last night at Boots Bar and Lounge. I would like to thank all of those that braved the bitter cold weather to add warmth to a great celebration. It was standing room only.
Not only did we crown a new Miss Mary Christmas (congratulations Binki!) but this was also the conclusion of our "Cheer Up!" project which saw my pom poms being sold all over Edmonton and North America. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you that contributed to and supported this project. It brings me to tears each time I think of how much support this project received from the ICS, the entire GLBT community and the community at large. I am so thrilled to announce that this project has raised well over $12,000! With expenses totalling approximately $1,700, this means that over $10,000 is going directly to our charities which include the Royal Alexandra Hospital Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit and The University of Alberta AIDS Research Centre as well as to support Camp Fyrefly and our own John M. Kerr Memorial Scholarship. In these difficult economic times, your support for others in need humble me.
Now for the news you've all been waiting for...as you are aware, Westjet had provided a "Gift of Flight" for two anywhere in Westjet's world in support of our "Cheer Up!" project. I was thrilled to have made the phone call this morning to the lucky winner and I'm so very excited to announce that Bruce Hardy (a.k.a. Emperor Bruce Sanoir of Regina) was the big winner! Congratulations Bruce and thank you for supporting the ISCWR!
I would like to thank some key people and organizations that made this possible. Firstly, to Aubrey and the staff of The Cheerleading Company in Dallas, Texas for their incredible support. The Cheerleading company donated significant services and discounts in costs for the actual pom poms themselves and, I'm proud to say, are the official cheerleader uniform supplier to yours truly! Thank you to Westjet who donated the "Gift of Flight" as a prize and supporting the campaign with your logo on our pom poms. Your community support is indicative of the service you provide and I know that our entire community is very grateful. Thank you to my fellow court members for putting up with me and my pom poms for the past six months and for helping me sell them. Thank you to the bars and businesses that allowed me in your doors with my bag full of pom poms! Thank you to the out of town Courts that so graciously allowed me to sell pom poms in your realms during my visits. Thank you to Gay Calgary and Edmonton magazine for your support by getting the word out about this project. Thank you to Sue Lingh Go and Global Edmonton for bringing this project out to the entire community on local and national TV news coverage. To the Edmonton Sun and Edmonton Journal for their stories. Thank you to Donna and Faye at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation for all of your assistance with this project and for helping the ISCWR begin the process of purchasing the first set of chairs for the NICU.
And, finally, thank you to each and every one of you that either bought a pair of pom poms or spread the word about our project or just for your kind words of encouragement and support. It's moments like these that make all of this worthwhile.
ISCWR Alberta Legislature Visit - Official Transcripts
Released: Thursday November 20, 2008 (ISCWR)
Here is the official transcript of the introduction of the ISCWR to the Alberta Legislative Assembly by the Honorable Rachel Notley, NDP. Following is the transcript of remarks made during Question Period with regards to the lack of laws protecing the GLBT community for discrimination.
2008-11-19 13:15:00
Alberta Hansard
Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Sunday was United Nations International Day of Tolerance, a day that recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.
Today I am very pleased to introduce to you and through you to this Assembly six members from Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose. The ISCWR, informally known as the court, has been promoting and building awareness and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community while raising tens of thousands of dollars each year in support of local charities, which provide services to or foster accepting attitudes of the GLBT community.
The Edmonton court consists of an empress and emperor, who are elected by members of the community and act as figureheads of the organization, goodwill ambassadors in the community, spearheading charitable fundraising efforts, and representing the city of Edmonton and the province of Alberta throughout North America.
I would now ask that my guests rise as I call their names: Dale Newby; Doug Solahub; Antonio Bavaro; Barry Woodroff; Dale Krasowski, a.k.a his most imperial and sovereign majesty emperor 33, Sundance Lonestar; and Marcel Panas, a.k.a. her most imperial and sovereign majesty empress 33 Marni Gras.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that we all now offer the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly.
Tories ignore Human Rights Protection
MLA Notley asks pointed questions to the Minister on Human Rights Legislation.
Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don't know how many ways I can say it. I said it so many times, maybe I'll say it in a language that they'll
understand: nyet.
Ms Notley: Well, that was great. I was pleased to learn that Camp fYrefly, a camp for sexual- minority youth, received funding from the Minister of Children and Youth Services, and - wait for it - I'd like to commend the minister for funding an organization that is committed to stopping oppression and marginalization and helping youth find strength through times of cruelty. To the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Given that this government acknowledges that children deserve a kids camp free of homophobia, doesn't he also believe they deserve a province free of homophobia?
Mr. Blackett: Mr. Speaker, I don't know how many times we have to say it. We have a province where we have a Human Rights and Citizenship Commission that states through the Supreme Court judgment that people that are gay or lesbian will not be discriminated against. If they want to go and lodge a complaint before the commission, they are free to do so. Our website, all our documentation states they are free to do so and we will operate in a province free ofdiscrimination against people on the basis of racial discrimination. We are going through a review as I've mentioned umpteen times in this House. When we get through the review...
The Speaker: The hon. member. [interjections] The hon. member has the floor.
Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On one hand we tell kids to expect equality on the basis of sexual orientation, yet on the other this minister will not act to stop the inherent slap in the face which is the absence of that protection from the human rights code. Now, I would like to commend the Minister of Education, though, for combating homophobia in secondary schools through the safe and caring schools initiative. To the minister of culture.
At least some of the cabinet understands that homophobia does not belong in schools. Shouldn't we be willing to hold the rest of society and the rest of us to the same standard?
Mr. Blackett: Well, you know what, Mr. Speaker? In our party we have one native, we have four Sikh, we have two Chinese, we have two Caribbean, and we have somebody from the Philippines . We understand diversity. We understand it for all. We have a multicultural education fund that goes out and helps educate. We fund organizations, including gay, lesbian, trans-sexual, transgendered individuals on education of their rights and promoting equality for all Albertans.
View the introduction. at time: 18:36
ISCWR Makes History at the Alberta Legislature!
Released: Thursday November 20, 2008 (ISCWR)
It was a most historic and special day for the ISCWR as we had the honor of being introduced to the members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Alberta. This was a special day for so many reasons and one that exceeded all of our expectations.
The seven of us were made to feel very welcome by the NDP Party as well as all of the staff at the Legislature. After a brief "hello" with the Mayor of Edmonton, we met with the Honorable Rachel Notley, MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona. Following a brief discussion and a few height jokes during official photographs, we were treated to a tour of the building before proceeding to security in preparation for entry to the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly.
You should know that the days leading up to our visit, much discussion took place between us, our NDP hosts and the Sergeant at Arms about protocol and decorum with regards to how we would be dressed. The Sergeant at Arms researched the 100 year history of the Alberta Legislature and British traditions going back even further. It was determined that it would be acceptable to enter into the building in full drag and regalia. We were told, however, that we would be asked to remove our crowns upon entering the Gallery as the only person that is allowed the privilege to wear a head adornment is the Queen of England (except for religious purposes). And, as we expected, we were asked to remove our crowns. We explained what the crown means to our organization. Then, history was made. The staffers, watching our entry on the security monitors, approached the Speaker of the House. It was then that I got special permission to wear my crown inside the Assembly chamber. It will be moment I will treasure forever.
Upon being seated in the gallery, we were definitely noticed by the members of the assembly as they prepared for the afternoon session. Laurie Blakeman, Liberal MLA for Edmonton Centre, sent a Page up with special greetings to our members written on a card. Soon, it was Ms. Notley's turn to make the introduction. Her words were so eloquently spoken. After our names were read, including full titles for myself and Emperor Sundance, all of the members banged on their desks in the traditional welcome of the Legislative Assembly. Many of the members of all parties, waved and smiled in our direction. It was surreal, it was special, it was an honor.
Moments later, Ms. Notley used her time during Question Period to ask why the Provincial Government does not have any law in place protecting the GLBT community from discrimination. Her comments were poignant and articulate.
Sadly, the responses form the Minister were not equally so.
The official transcripts of these remarks will be sent in another announcement.
I would like to thank the Board, General Membership and the College of Monarchs of the ISCWR for their support in making this happen. I would like to thank many of my friends and peers in the ICS for their guidance as these plans were put in motion. Thanks to Pam, Miss Dee Luv, Kelsey Breeze, Ivanna Diamonds, Connie Lingua and Emperor Sundance for being part of this and being wonderful representatives of the class and dignity that is the ISCWR. Thanks to Rob Pearson of the NDP for your tireless efforts in organizing this special day. Thanks to the Honorable Rachel Notley for your hospitality, grace, good humor and, especially, for extending the official invitation to the ISCWR.
And thanks to the Government of Alberta (all parties) for helping create a society where we can be free to do such things. We have still many things to accomplish and the journey is hardly over, however, we can, and must, allow ourselves to take a moment to celebrate and appreciate many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in this Province for there are many that are still fighting for these very things.
Watch Live TV Coverage of ISCWR Visit to Alberta Legislature
Released: Tuesday November 18, 2008 (ISCWR)
You are invited to participate in this historic moment for the ISCWR and the GLBT community by watching as the ISCWR is introduced to the Alberta Legislative Assembly during Access Channel's live coverage of "Quesiton Period"! The broadcast will begin at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, November 19th.
Access can be viewed on:
Shaw Cable (Channel 9)
Bell ExpressVu (Channel 267)
StarChoice (Channel 351)
The introductions will begin shortly after 1:30 pm. You are encouraged to watch the Question Period portion which will follow shortly after as the Honorable Rachel Notley will reference the pressence of the ISCWR as she asks the Minister responsible why there are no laws for protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation as there are for gender, race, color, etc.
ISCWR to Be Introduced to the Alberta Legislative Assembly
Released: Thursday November 6, 2008 (ISCWR)
November 19th will be an historic and special day for the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose as we will be introduced to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Alberta as guests of the Honorable Rachel Notley, MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona and the New Democratic Party. This date was spcifically selected to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Tolerance which is to be officially observed on November 16th.
The ISCWR will be acknowledged for the important contributions we make to the community woven into the historical perspective of the Court and the International Day of Tolerance.
This marks the first time in Alberta, if not Canada, that such an honor has been extended to a Court. In a time where others, including our brothers and sisters in the United States, are still fighting for many of the rights and freedoms we as Albertans and Canadians have enjoyed for years, we can proudly walk into our government building and be introduced to our law makers as guests. This alone is worth celebrating.
Join us in thanking the NDP and the Honorable Rachel Notley for this great honor and privilege. Join us in celebrating a significant moment in our community's history. Join us in remembernig and thanking those many individuals over the years that have cleared the path befoer us that we may able celebrate this Internaitonal Day of Tolerance in such a way. Join us in supporting those that are still fighting to this day.
ISCWR Update!
Released: Monday September 29, 2008 (ISCWR)
It was a very busy weeke accross the realm and beyond so I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on what's been going on in your Court!
Firstly, I wish to thank Imperial Crown Prince and Princess, Big Daddy Pump and Kelsey Breeze, and Princess of the Realm, Ivanna Diamonds, for putting on a wonderful 70's Disco Show at Prism on Saturday. From all accounts, it was a most enjoyable night for all!
Happy Birthday wishes to Emperor XXXIII, Sundance Lonestar and Imperial Grande Duchess XXXIII, Connie Lingua!!! Many happy years, you two!
I wish to thank the Imperial Court of Regina and Emperor Daniel Delisio and Empress Roxy Diva for hosting a wonderful Coronation weekend last weekend.
12 of us were thrilled to celebrate with you and we wish the new Regents best wishes and success in your upcoming reign!
I wish to thank the Imperial Court of Surrey for their gracious hospitality during Coronation 5 and congratulations to the newly elected Emperor and Empress, Wolfgang Bang and Elektra Quecha.
Thank you also, to the Imperial Court of Surrey, for honoring the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose by proclaiming the Court of Edmonton as your Sister Court!
Congratulations to Empress XXX of Calgary and Out of Town Empress XXXIII 1/2 of Edmonton, Dyna Myte, for your elevation to the position of Heir to the Queen Mother of the Americas, Nicole the Great. You will represent Western Canada well in your new role, we're very proud of you!
Congratulations to Empress XX of Calgary and Empress 33 1/3 of Edmonton, Mz Rhonda, on your appointment as Spiritual Advisor to the Queen Mother of the Americas, Nicole the Great. Your true heart and strong faith is something for us all to aspire to.
I wish to thank Nicole the Great, for the kindness you showed the ISCWR in the public recognition you gave in Surrey for the efforts and accomplishments of our Court and, for the generous donation on behalf of the Court of San Diego towards our Pom Pom fund.
Finally, I thank Nicole the Great, for further honoring the ISCWR by putting your faith in me by appointing me the Canadian Minister of Civil Rights to The Queen Mother of America, Ncole the Great. Leading up to our national election, it will be my duty and privilege to encourage all members of our Court and the Courts accross Canada to get to know the candidates in your area and what they believe in so that you can make an informed decision that will help protect the rights you enjoy today come election day on October 14th.
So, as you can see, it has been another wonderful week for the Imperial Court of the Sovereign Rose in Edmonton along with our brothers and sisters in Calgary, Regina and Surrey! You should all be proud of these accomplishments as I am so very proud to serve you and with you as your Empress.
Win a Vacation to Mexico at Coronation 34!!!
Released: Wednesday September 24, 2008 (ISCWR)
Greetings everyone!
The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose is pleased to welcome iTravel2000, "Supporting the I.S.C.W.R. and Pride in the Community", as the official travel partner for the 33rd House and Coronation 34!!!
Together, we are excited to announce that someone attending Coronation 34 on August 29, 2009, WILL WIN a week long vacation for two, including flights, to the all inclusive resort, San Marino, in sunny Puerto Vallarta Mexico!
We are thrilled to have the support of another major national company in iTravel2000 and look forward to building on this relationship. We encourage everyone travelling to Edmonton for Coronation 34 or anywhere else your travels may take you to consider iTravel2000 in your travel plans. Using the services of iTravel2000 will encourage even greater support for our community which, in turn, will allow us to give even more back to the charities and community we serve.
You can reach iTravel2000 at www.itravel2000.com or call toll free at:
1-866-969-3325.
This is just one of the ways we'll be celebrating Coronation XXXIV "Around the World in 80 Ways; An Ethnic Journey".
Proudly sponsored by:
www.itravel2000.com
www.westjet.com
www.cheerleading.com
www.nightshadecorsets.com
Pom Pom Fund passes $10,000 in donations!
Released: Sunday September 21, 2008 (ISCWR)
Thanks to recent donations from our friends in Regina during this past weekend's Coronation, Edmonton's Womonspace, The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association, Illusions Social Club and the support of many other individuals such as yourself, the total donations received to "Cheer Up!" the Children's Hospital and AIDS Research has now surpassed $10,000! Once again, the support has been overwhelming . . . and appreciated! A sincere thank you on behalf of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose for your incredible support of this project and our organzation.
I look forward to bringing my pom poms with me to Surrey this weekend!
And remember, you still have until December 13th to get into the draw for the Westjet tickets!
John M. Kerr Memorial Scholarship 2008
Released: Wednesday July 16, 2008 (ISCWR)
The John M. Kerr Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 1984 and has, since that time, given out a minimum of two $500.00 awards at the annual Coronation Ball. The scholarship award amounts and number awarded can vary from year to year but are generally between $500.00 and $750.00. Recipients of an award are notified of their successful application and are asked to be present for the presentation of the awards during proceedings at the annual Coronation Charity Ball.
Established by Her Imperial Sovereign Majesty, Empress 8 and 17, Mary Mess to honor the memory of a close friend of Edmontonâ??s gay community and a strong supporter of drag entertainment in our city. The Scholarship Fund is supported through ongoing fundraising efforts by the Court and is managed as a separate account by the Board of the New Royalist Social Society of Northern Alberta.
Applications for awards must be received no later than Sunday, August 24th, 2008 by the ISCWRSA. Applications must be complete and all requested information included with the application on submission. See the form below for more details.
Applications are now available and can be downloaded by clicking the link and saving the file to your computer. It is available only as PDF.
Application Form 2008 (PDF)
If you would like more information on how you can apply for the scholarships awarded please e-mail (The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose).