Ottawa Leather Fest V
"northern Vicespitality"
August 28-30, 2009

Ottawa Leather Fest marked its fifth anniversary on the weekend of August 28-30, 2009. It continued its established tradition of offering an array of fun, educational and thought-provoking seminars, two hot play parties (where a personal best of 300 clothespins was achieved), and the Central Canada Olympus contest.

Sir Alex (Alex Wisniowski, producer of Ottawa Leather Fest) and Encore emceed the cabaret and contest. All events were held at Breathless, a pansexual play space.

Seminar topics included "The Dynamics of a BDSM Relationship", "Flogging: Before We Begin", "Identifying Oneself in the BDSM Lifestyle", "Round 'Em Up" (a two-hour pony play workshop), and "Watersports 101".

OLF V boasted several distinguished presenters. Foxy and Sherifox won Best of Show at the International Pony Play Championships in 2007 and 2008. Mistress Cyan is the founder and organizer of DomCon LA and DomCon Atlanta. Her partner Goddess Genesis is a Pro Domme.

The head judge for the Central Canada Olympus contest was Dave Rhodes, editor of The Leather Journal. The other judges were Mistress Cyan, permanent transgendered judge Zelda Marshall, and the outgoing titleholders, Mistress Victoria and Squeeky.

Mike Tattersall won the title of Mr. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2009. Tango became the new Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2009. The runner-up was Bad Schoolgirl.

Several awards were presented, including the new LADY (Leather Ambassador in Drag of the Year) award to Zelda Marshall. The Great North American Wolf Society (GNAWS) also inducted a number of new members.

A special treat on Friday night was the very entertaining International Kinky Kabaret, featuring a dozen skits and musical numbers. During the contest on Saturday night, Zelda Marshall's performance of Sharon McKnight's "Why Me, God? (Everybody's F***ing but Me)" brought the house down.

On Sunday, August 30, Ottawa's pansexual BDSM community joined the Ottawa Knights and a contingent of leatherfolk from Toronto in Ottawa's annual Pride Parade, which boasted 75 entries and 1,200 participants. Foxy and Sherifox (international pony and trainer) were great crowd pleasers.

Watch for Ottawa Leather Fest VI in August 2010!

Tango, Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2009, and Mike Tattersall, Mr. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2009

The winners (L and R) and the first runner-up,
Bad Schoolgirl (centre)

The winners (L and R) and Ottawa Leather Fest producer
Alex Wisniowski (centre)

PRESS RELEASE

Fifth annual Ottawa Leather Fest offers
"northern Vicespitality"

Ottawa, February 22, 2009 -- On February 19, 2009, President Barack Obama made Ottawa, Canada, the destination of his first official visit. He spent the day, bought maple leaf-shaped cookies and souvenir keychains for his daughters, and returned to Washington proclaiming, "I love this country."

This is your year to do the same. But, unlike President Obama, you can discover what Canadian author Sandra Gwyn called The Private Capital -- the sexy, kinky, seamy, steamy side of Ottawa.

From August 28 to 30, 2009, the fifth annual Ottawa Leather Fest will offer its unique brand of "northern Vicespitality". That's the theme for this year.

OLF is organized by Alexander Henryk Wisniowski, Head Wolf of the Great North American Wolf Society, and a respected producer of several leather/BDSM documentaries. Alex is also a titleholder (Mr. Leather Ottawa 2002 and Mr. Ontario Olympus Leather 2005).

Events planned to celebrate OLF's fifth anniversary include a special International Kinky Cabaret, featuring Foxy Davis and Firefox, the renowned trainer and pony from the United States.

OLF favourites will return with seminars of interest to the BDSM community. Lady Caro will discuss "When It All Goes Wrong". Mistress Cyan and Goddess Genisis will also be back. New this year will be Master André's partner Vivian, with a presentation entitled "Before We Begin". Foxy Davis and Firefox will offer seminars on pony play and piss play.

There will be two play parties, including the ever-popular "I Like to Watch, I Like to Play", where you can do your own thing or admire the work of experts.

Dave Rhodes, editor of The Leather Journal, will again preside as head judge of the fifth annual Central Canada Olympus Canada Leather contest.

It all wraps up on Sunday, August 30, with Ottawa's annual Pride parade.

Weekend packages will be $70, the same as last year, and tickets will be available for some single events. All events will be held at Breathless, Ottawa's premier BDSM space.

Download Poster (PDF)

For more information, visit http://www.olympusleather.com/regional/cco/cco.htm or e-mail leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

PRESS RELEASE

OTTAWA LEATHER FEST HAS BITE ... AND BARK

Ottawa, August 24, 2008 -- You could say that the fourth annual Ottawa Leather Fest (August 22-24) put on the dog this year. A frisky puppy went through his paces, literally made to jump through a hoop -- and two contestants for the title of Mr. and Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather proved they were best in show. Truly, it was a weekend with bite ... and bark.

Friday night began with the world premiere of Inside Leather History: A Fireside Chat with Mr. Marcus, a new documentary by OLF organizer Alexander Henryk Wisniowski. The documentary recorded a conversation with Marcus Hernandez, an icon of the American leather community, who writes a column for San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter. The screening was followed by a play party, with a very hot scene by the current International Mr. Rubber, Brian Turgeon

Saturday was devoted to a slate of interesting seminars by well respected presenters, including Lady Caro (Ms. Olympus Leather 2005), Mistress Cyan (organizer of DomCon Atlanta and DomCon Los Angeles), Matthew Carey, Goddess Genisis, and Master Andre.

On Saturday evening, the show began with a moving tribute to the leather community's forebears. The Mr. and Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather contest then chose two new regional representatives of the pansexual leather community. Mistress Victoria Windsor and Gerry "Squeeky" Legault will compete for the international title of Mr. and Ms. Olympus Leather in 2009. Mistress Victoria wowed the crowd with the antics of her puppy Argo, while Squeeky drew on his Native heritage to portray a leatherman's vision quest. Guests were also treated to performances by Judge Zelda Marshall, as well as a "Choosing a Slave" fantasy sequence.

Dave Rhodes, editor of The Leather Journal, served as head judge. The other judges were Reg Dennis and Katelyn Cartwright (Mr. and Ms. Ontario Olympus Leather 2007), Zelda Marshall, and Mistress Cyan. Sheryll Townsend acted as tallymistress, and Bob Firth-Tessier, Mr. Leather Montreal 2008 and first runner-up at International Mr. Leather, served as Den Daddy.

The Saturday night play party included fire play by Mistress Cyan and Goddess Genisis. Organizer Alex Wisniowski achieved a personal best, attaching 250 clothespins to an ecstatic submissive.

On Sunday afternoon, Ottawa Leather Fest guests marched with the Ottawa leather group in the city's annual Pride parade. The closing dinner on Sunday night, for presenters and judges still in town, was a good way to wind down the weekend.

Ottawa Leather Fest sincerely thanks all of its sponsors: The Leather Journal, Capital Xtra, Venus Envy, Breathless, and the Great North American Wolf Society (GNAWS).

Ottawa Leather Fest looks forward to celebrating its fifth anniversary on August 21-23, 2009.

Info: Alex Wisniowski, Producer, Ottawa Leather Fest 2008
E-mail: leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

Mistress Victoria (Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2008) and Squeeky (Mr. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2008).

February, 2007 Without Borders: Ottawa Leather Fest 2008 goes international

PRESS RELEASE

Without Borders: Ottawa Leather Fest 2008 goes international

OTTAWA, February 4, 2008 -- Imagine a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, straight and pansexual leather community where people are free to be. The theme of this year's Ottawa Leather Fest (August 22-24, 2008) is designed to create just such a community. The event invites all leather folk to unite and be themselves ... without borders.

Even OLF's annual leather contest is expanding its borders. The winning titleholders will be known as Mr. and Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather (formerly Mr. and Ms. Ontario Olympus Leather). This contest will be open to all leather/BDSM-minded people in Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec).

This year's seminar presenters will lend an international flavour to the event. They include Lady Caro (Ms. Olympus Leather 2005) from Philadelphia, as well as Mistress Cyan and Goddess Genisis, producers of two of the largest BDSM weekends, DomCon LA and DomCon Atlanta. OLF 2008 will also place more emphasis on the play aspects of BDSM.

The Central Canada Olympus Leather 2008 contest will be judged by head judge Dave Rhodes, publisher of The Leather Journal; Freddy Marshall, Mr. Chicago Leather 2008; Reginald Dennis and Katelyn Cartwright, Mr. and Ms. Ontario Olympus Leather 2007; and returning judge Zelda Marshall, trans activist, performer, and winner of Leather Fest's 2006 Humanitarian Award.

All events will once again be held at Breathless, 318 Lisgar, near Bank. Packages will remain at $70 Canadian. They will include a Meet and Greet, two Play as You Like parties, seminars, and the Mr. and Ms. Central Canada Olympus Leather 2008 contest.

Package holders will also enjoy an exclusive screening of Alexander Henryk Wisniowski's most recent documentary, Inside Leather History: Fireside Chat with Mr. Marcus. (Marcus Hernandez covers the leather beat for San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter. The mayor of San Francisco declared November 2000 "Mr. Marcus Month" in his honour.)

On Sunday, August 24, we welcome everyone to march with Ottawa's leather and levi club, the Ottawa Knights, in the city's annual Pride parade.

Ottawa Leather Fest 2008 ... a weekend that promises to be without borders ... and definitely without boredom!

For package details and more information visit mloh2002.lynnsplace.ca/leather2008.htm

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Information: Alex Wisniowski
leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

February, 2007 Canada makes leather history -- again!

PRESS RELEASE

Ottawa, February 19, 2007 -- For the second time in less than a year, a Canadian has taken top honours at an international leather event, putting Canada firmly on the map once again.

On Sunday, February 18, in Chicago, Angela Albert, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, won the title of Ms. Olympus Leather 2007, succeeding last year's titleholder, Lady Raven. Angela competed and won at the regional level as Ms. Ontario Olympus Leather 2007, during Ottawa Leather Fest in August 2006.

The Mr. and Ms. Olympus Leather contest is a pansexual event, open to lesbians, gays, straights, and bisexuals, and to women, men, and transgendered persons. The titles are awarded to those individuals deemed to best represent and promote the leather, fetish, and kink community.

The Great North American Wolf Society (GNAWS) sponsored Angela as a contestant.

From the Meet and Greet on Friday, February 16, until the evening of the competition, Angela's winning smile and outgoing personality made her a crowd-pleasing favorite. Her on-stage fantasy, in which she played Red Riding Hood turning the tables on the big bad wolf, was the clincher.

Angela's sash husband for the coming year will be Mr. Olympus Leather 2007, Sir Jeff (Mr. Florida Olympus 2007), who succeeds last year's titleholder, Terrell Brown.

The other two contestants this year were Insatiable Amazon (vying for the Ms. Olympus Leather title) and Prophet (for Mr. Olympus Leather).

Angela is the first Canadian to win the Ms. Olympus Leather title, and the second to win an international leather title. The first was Bohdan "Bo" Ladashevska of Montreal, Quebec, who became International Mr. Leather 2006 in Chicago last May.

The Mr. and Ms. Olympus Leather contest was held in tandem with the Pantheon of Leather XVII Community Service Awards. Bo Ladashevska received the International award. Dan Falkenham, Eastern Canada Leatherboy 2005, received the Canadian of the Year award.

The theme of this year's Mr. and Ms. Olympus Leather contest was "We Will Rock You", a tribute to Freddie Mercury and the music of Queen. In the end, it was Canada that rocked, and a Canadian -- Angela Albert, Ms. Olympus Leather 2007 -- who emerged as the champion.

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Information: Alex Wisniowski
leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

Ms. Olympus Leather 2007 Angela Albert and
Mr. Olympus Leather 2007 Sir Jeff

October 23, 2005 Captal Xtra! Lifetime Achievement Award

PRESS RELEASE

Mr. Ontario Olympus Leather 2005 wins lifetime achievement award

Ottawa, October 23, 2005 -- Alex Wisniowski, Mr. Ontario Olympus Leather 2005, has just earned another feather in his leather cap.

On Thursday, October 20, Captal Xtra! (a GLBT monthly in Ottawa, Canada) presented Alex with one of five lifetime achievement awards, honouring 30 years of service to the GLBT community and to the community at large.

Among other things, Alex was recognized for organizing Pride Week events and leather events -- most recently, Ottawa's first pansexual Leather Fest weekend. Also mentioned was his work as a director, now working on his third and fourth video documentaries.

Alex is no stranger to public accolades. In November 2001, he was chosen as Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002. The following year, he was the first openly gay man to receive the Governor General's Caring Canadian award for volunteering. In February 2004, he received a President's Award at Pantheon of Leather.

Alex will be a contestant in the Olympus Leather competition in Chicago in February 2006, as part of Pantheon of Leather weekend.

- 30 -

Information: Alex Wisniowski
leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

Alex Wisniowski (centre) receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Capital Xtra! editor Gareth Kirkby (L) and Kerry Beckett (R)

February 19, 2005 Pantheon of Leather, Chicago

Alex Wisniowski, first Canadian to win a President's Award

February 17&18, 2005 My Leather Jacket 2 American Premiere

February 5, 2005 My Leather Jacket 2 World Premiere

October 2004 CineKink, New York City

Alex Wisniowski, Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002, is pleased to announce that his first leather documentary, "My Leather Jacket", has been selected as part of the 2004 program for CineKink, a kink-positive film festival in New York City.

The festival will be held from October 21 to 24, 2004. Most screenings will take place at the Anthology Film Archives (32 Second & Second).

"My Leather Jacket" will be screened on Sunday, October 24, at 1 p.m.

For further details, visit the CineKink website.

Information: Alex Wisniowski
leatherheart 'at' sympatico.ca

July 2004 My Leather Jacket 2: More Stories from the Road

Rev up your engines and hit the hot ass-phalt ... Here comes the long-awaited sequel to director Alex Wisniowski’s first video documentary about the leather folk who are paving the way for a new generation!

My Leather Jacket 2: More Stories from the Road follows Alex’s journey to leather events in central Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States.

You’ll see some old familiar faces, like Dean Ogren, Dave Rhodes and Hilary Williams. And you’ll meet some new friends, like J.D., Storm and Beth.

Watch for the release of My Leather Jacket 2: Stories from the Road. See and hear the mosaic that is the leather community!

Alexander Henry Wisniowski
Director

February 2004 "My Leather Jacket" World and Canadian Premiers

World premiere Friday, February 13, 8 PM, at the Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 North Greenview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois - Free admission!

Canadian premiere Saturday, February 21, 2 PM, at Swizzles, 246 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario - Admission free but donations to the Leather Archives & Museum are gratefully accepted.

November 11, 2003 "My Leather Jacket" NOW AVAILABLE

I met some pretty incredible people on my journey during my title year as Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002. This documentary profiles just some of the people whose paths I crossed. Their stories are real and touching. There is a reason why the leather pride flag has a big red heart!

Alexander Henry Wisniowski
Director

February 15, 2003 LeatherFest Weekend

Alex by the Chicago Eagle.

Mr. Cellblock-Chicago Adrian W.

Alex and Black at Pantheon of Leather

Mr & Ms. Olympus winners Robert and Boot Pig.
Beside them are the First Runner's up

December 12, 2002

MR. LEATHER OTTAWA-HULL 2002 NOMINATED FOR PANTHEON OF LEATHER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD (CANADIAN AWARD).

See Press Release for more details.

November 8-10, 2002

Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull.
Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002 step down fantasy with Denis (in cloak)
and Adam K. Sayer (Mr. North Atlantic Leatherman 2003).

Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull.
The new Mr Leather Ottawa 2003 - Douglas Conners.

October 11-14, 2002

North Atlantic Leather, Utica, NY.
Left: North Atlantic Leatherboy "littledan"
Right: North Atlantic Leatherman Adam K. Sayer

North Atlantic Leather, Utica, NY.
Leather titleholders at North Atlantic Leather,
including Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002

August 2-4, 2002

Montreal's DiversCité Parade
Left: Mr. Bootblack Toronto 2002
Right: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002

Montreal's DiversCité Parade
Left: Mr. Bootblack Toronto 2002
Centre: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002
Right: M. Cuir Montréal 2002

July 19 , 2002

Toronto Pride: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002 and his lover Paul.

Toronto Pride: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002 marching in the parade.

Toronto Pride: Toronto Title Holders: Mr. Leatherman Toronto,
Mr. Boot Black and Mr. Fellowship 2002.

Ottawa Pride: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002
and Miss Gay Pride Ottawa 2002.

Ottawa Knights and MLOH Float in Ottawa Pride Parade.

Ottawa Leather Pride Party Hosted by Mr. Leather Ottawa:
Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002 gets his boots shined by
Mr. Boot Black Toronto 2002 - Ian.

Ottawa Pride: Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002
on the Leather Float in the Pride Parade.

May 23-27, 2002

Photos from the International Mr. Leather, Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull at Maple Leaf Party.

On the left, 1st runner up Borisz Moz, Mr. Leather Holland 2002. In the middle, the winner, Stephen Webber, Mr. Leather Texas 2002. On the right, 2nd runner up Herbert Kaylor, Mr. DC Eagle 2002.

April 26-28, 2002

Photos from the American Brootherhood Weekend.

The winners: Rick Trevino, American Leatherman,
Tobin Britten-American Leatherwoman and Kip
Davidson, American leatherboy.

Parade of titleholders.

Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002 at ABW.

Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull with boy contestant Kyle .

April 13, 2002

Photos from Mr. Empire State Leather 2002, Albany, NY.

Daddy DJ Williams, Mr. Empire State Leather 2002

Parade of titleholders at Mr. Empire State Leather event
(Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull is 4th from the left)

April 9, 2002

Additional congratulatory letters received from Senator Ladon Pearson and the Lieutenant Governer of Ontario.

March 25 , 2002

Alex is recognized by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, the Canadian head of state, as a Caring Canadian.

For more details, view the Press Release and the Letter from the Governor General.

February 16 , 2002

Pictures from Wear Your Leather Out 2: Chicago Bound:

January 21 , 2002

Alex and friend Dan from Albany NY at International
Leather SIR and leatherboy launch.

Alex and "First Lady of Leather" Mary Elizabeth
at International Leather SIR and leatherboy launch.

Some of the contestants on stage at the Mid Atlantic Leather 2002 competition.

December 8, 2001

Mr. Ebony Leather selling Alex raffle tickets to help the homeless living with HIV/AIDS in Albany, New York. The event was held by Stars MC and Mr. Ebony Leather on Saturday, December 8, 2001, and raised about $300.

November 11, 2001

Winner, Mr. Leather Ottawa-Hull 2002