At a Glance
- 150 competitors and over 1,000 fans packed the Pennsylvania Farm Show for the third annual mullet contest
- 10-year-old Drew Fleschut of Dallas, Pa., took top honors, winning a Corvette rear bumper trophy
- Contestants were judged on cut style, props, presentation and commitment
- Why it matters: The lighthearted event spotlights a hairstyle once mocked but now celebrated for its community spirit and nostalgia
Mullet mane madness returned to Harrisburg Monday as the Pennsylvania Farm Show hosted its third annual celebration of the business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back classic. About 150 entrants strutted the stage before more than 1,000 cheering spectators, vying for bragging rights and a trophy fashioned from the rear bumper of a Corvette.
Kid From Dallas Steals the Show
Drew Fleschut, age 10, walked away with the grand prize. The Dallas, Pennsylvania, youngster channeled cult film hero Joe Dirt in a red-and-black shirt, clutching a replica of the character’s signature mop. His victory earned him the Corvette bumper and instant mullet celebrity status.
Judges evaluated competitors on four criteria:
- Style of the cut
- Props or accessories
- Stage presentation
- Overall commitment to the look
Brittany Goldberg, owner of Heavy Metal Hair Salon in Philadelphia and a contest judge, said the event is pure fun. “This is for fun,” she emphasized. “It’s about the camaraderie and everyone having a laugh and a good time.”
Props, Tricks and Skullets
The competition delivered plenty of spectacle. Spectators saw:
- A magician performing tricks on stage
- Custom T-shirts celebrating the mullet life
- A “skullet” – a bald-on-top contender proudly rocking long locks in back
- Kids dancing the worm, dabbing and even one boy picking his nose for the crowd
- Shirt-ripping pro-wrestling-style theatrics
Families Keep the Tradition Alive
For some parents, the haircut started as simple practicality. Brittni Williamson of Harvey’s Lake explained that her 3-year-old son Mason’s mullet began when the back of his hair grew faster than the rest. “We just clean it up in the front and keep the party going,” she said. Mason didn’t place, but he achieved his New Year’s resolution by feeding a cow at the farm show.
**Ben Barley, 7, of Red Lion wore a shirt reading “MULLET LIFE 6-7,” referencing both his age and his two-year follicle journey. He said maintaining the style is part of his identity.
Inspiration From Wrestling and Nostalgia
Adults cited pop-culture nostalgia as motivation. Kyle Wertman, 43, a sales and service rep for industrial air compressors from Murrysville, grew his mullet after watching vintage pro-wrestling clips of Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Locals frequently ask to fluff his curls. “Look at this thing, it’s got a mind of its own,” they tell him.
Brayden Shaner, 14, of Lancaster spent four years cultivating the cut that earned him third place in the teen division. “I like it because it’s different,” he said. “You don’t see, walking through the grocery store, people with a mullet. I think the girls like it.”
A Brief History of the Mullet
While the style predates modern barbershops, the term “mullet” gained traction in 1994 when the Beastie Boys released “Mullet Head” on their album Ill Communication. The Oxford English Dictionary notes the word is “slang, humorous, and frequently derogatory,” yet events like Monday’s show reclaim it with pride.
Open to All
Unlike many Farm Show competitions restricted to Pennsylvania residents, the mullet contest welcomes entrants from any state, adding to the diverse field and festive atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- The third annual mullet contest proves the hairstyle’s enduring, tongue-in-cheek appeal
- A Corvette bumper trophy and bragging rights drew competitors from toddlers to middle-aged fans
- Judges scored on haircut style, creativity, showmanship and dedication to the mullet lifestyle
- The event highlights camaraderie and humor, turning a once-mocked cut into celebrated community fun
