International Community Bootblack

Editor's note - we'd like to welcome Kassie as a regular contributor to Leathrati.  Kassie will report on people, news and events in the Bootblacking world.  Nice to have you with us Kassie!

by Kassie

In just a few days, the 2012 International Community Bootblack Title will be awarded at the ILSb/ICBB weekend in San Francisco, July 28 – 30^th. In an effort to understand what differentiates this contest from the other International Bootblack Titles, I thought it might be interesting to take an in depth look at the International Community Bootblack Title.

International Community Bootblack is distinguished from the other two International Bootblack Titles in a number of ways. First ICBB allows anyone of any gender to be eligible for the title. Secondly, this contest, unlike the others, is not a wide open contest. ICBB employs the regional feeder approach, and those that are eligible to compete for the International Title must have either won one of the pre-requisite regional contests or if there were no contestants, the regional producers are allowed to make an appointment on the regional level.  This year, there are 9 contestants, 7 of which won their Region Title, two contestants – Gulf Coast Bootblack and California Community Bootblack- are appointments.

The ICBB title’s theme is Play. I contacted ILsB/ICBB Producer, Mark Frazier regarding the “Play” aspect of the title. According to Frazier, “The vast majority of Boot Blacks are fetishists and they are very creative when it comes to play. The next time you are in a Boot Black’s stand, watch them as they look at your boots, smile and look forward to the task ahead of them. ICBB recognizes this and tried to incorporate this into our contest.” This play theme is carried and encouraged throughout the winner’s title year.

ICBB prides itself on the thouroughness of the contest. According to Frazier, “ICBB is the only International Boot Black Contest that is completely judged.”  Contestants are put through a rigorous interview process which includes technical and verbal presentation skillsets.  In addition, contestants are judged on their customer service skills, and on Saturday are showcased during the contest  to give their speech and to show the audience the image they project as a bootblack. All of these components go into the cumulative score for each contestant vying for the title of International Community Boot Black. Unlike some of the other International contests, ICBB does not include a popular vote nor does it include a secret judge. The judging panel is completely known to the contestants and while the contestants have the opportunity to shine all weekend long, the contest attendees have no vote on who will become the next ICBB.

The International Community Bootblack Contest began in 2003 and was held in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2003 and 2004, moved to Atlanta, GA in 2005, spent the next two years in Dallas, TX and has made its home  in San Franscisco, CA  since 2008, and in recent years held during Dore Alley weekend. This year, the contest is held at the Golden Gate Holiday Inn. More information about the contest and the weekend can be found at www.leathersir.com

kassie has been in the scene since 2000, has identified as a bootblack since 2005 and a leather woman since 2007. She lives with her Master in Western NY. She can be found on Facebook at kassiebootblack and on FetLife as kassie. Always on the look out for new things to talk about in bootblacking, feel free to email her at kassie@leatherati.com