During the IML 1996 judges' down times, Amy Marie visited the bootblacking area and watched the IML Bootblack (IML BB) contestants work their stands and collect their ballots.
An idea formed, but, in 1996, Amy Marie was only in her second year as IMsL owner, and she and her staff were only starting to grow accustomed to throwing a great IMsL Weekend and successful Leather contest .. so she waited and made plans.