Red Dogs, Stink Bombs make amends, agree to work together for charity

By Tracy Farr
Editor, The Daily Spittoon

Following last month's Christmas Parade brouhaha between the Red Dog Harley Riding Group and the Stinky Bomb All-Female Roller Derby Team, the two organizations have decided to make amends and work together for the good of a local charity.

"It was all our fault," said Harley McAlester, leader of the Red Dogs.  "We knew them Stink Bombs were just having fun, but it's hard to remain civil when some woman grabs your antlers and won't give them back.  Even so, we should have been more forgiven, especially in front of all those kids, and especially at Christmas time."

The parade started at Stinker Stadium and the brouhaha happened about two blocks away from the square.  Two Red Dogs went to the hospital with broken noses and three Stink Bombs were arrested for assault.

"We were just trying to have a little fun, but I guess we took it too far" said Susan Dennis, a member of the Stink Bombs who is better known as The Queen of Mayhem.  "We should have given their antlers back, but we didn't.  I speak for all the Stink Bombs when I say we deeply regret this incident."

The two groups have decided to work throughout 2008 by collecting toys for underprivileged children, being bell ringers for the Salvation Army next Christmas season, and visiting with schoolchildren to promote the use of non-violence during confrontations.

"We're going to emphasize that even though you might gain extreme  satisfaction from breaking someone's nose, it's not the best way to solve your problems during a Christmas parade," Dennis said.  "It's best to sit down, talk things out, and respect each other's opinion.  And it's always better to give back stolen antlers before someone throws a hissy fit."