Introduction to the Mullet Celebration
A celebration of the oft-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle began at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The signature "business in the front, party in the back" hairstyle, once synonymous with Canadian hockey players and hair metal bands, was expected to attract dozens of competitors.
Competition Categories
Categories included Children Under Five, Retro Mullet and the Flow of Freedom Award. Seven-year-old Ben Barley of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, arrived early, proudly wearing a T-shirt that read “MULLET LIFE 6-7.” He told reporters that he has been maintaining his hairstyle for two years.
History of the Mullet
Although the hairstyle itself is ancient, the popularization of the term mullet is attributed to hip-hop legends, via their 1994 track. The dictionary describes the term as colloquial, humorous and “often derogatory.”
The Competition
The competition is in its third year and is notable for being one of the few at the fair that is open to participants from outside of Pennsylvania. A mullet competition is not unique to Pennsylvania as it has gained popularity around the world. Australia hosts a mullet festival that travels around the country and is open to everyone.
Mullet Competitions Around the World
A popular event in the USA is the USA Mullet Championship, where proceeds are donated to a good cause. One hundred percent of donations collected from participants will be returned to an organization that focuses on providing homes for veterans wounded in combat. These homes are mortgage-free, injury-proof and securely built to ensure independence.
The Competition Process
All participants compete to collect donations and votes throughout the competition. There are several rounds that participants must pass to advance to the finals. The winner of each division receives a cash prize of $10,000. These departments include children, adolescents and adults. But most importantly, they can secure the title of “Mullet Champion.”
