The Pennsylvania Farm Show buzzed with an unexpected energy Monday, as a peculiar competition drew a massive crowd. It wasn't livestock or produce stealing the spotlight, but a celebration of a hairstyle often mocked, yet fiercely defended: the mullet.
For the third consecutive year, enthusiasts flocked to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, transforming an event hall into a haven for “business in the front, party in the back.” The state’s embrace of the mullet feels almost destined, given the legendary status of Jaromir Jagr, the Czech hockey icon who dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins – and the NHL – with a truly iconic flow.
This year’s contest saw tributes to more than just hockey heroes. One young competitor channeled a different kind of icon, paying homage to a particularly memorable hairstyle from a beloved comedy.
Ten-year-old Drew Fleschut, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, arrived prepared to win. Dressed in a red-and-black shirt, complete with a mop and bucket, he perfectly embodied the look of David Spade’s character from the 2001 film, *Joe Dirt*. His dedication earned him the “best in grow” title and a remarkable prize: a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro bumper.
The event drew over 100 participants, divided into four age categories. Judges evaluated contestants not just on the cut itself, but on style, props, and the sheer commitment to the art of the mullet, explained judge Brittany Goldberg.
“This is for fun,” said Goldberg, owner of Heavy Metal Hair Salon in Philadelphia. “It’s about the camaraderie and everyone having a laugh and a good time.” Length, she noted, was a key factor, but presentation and flair were equally important.
And flair was certainly on display. Competitors unleashed a wave of creativity, incorporating magic tricks, custom T-shirts, and even elaborate dance routines. One particularly inventive entry showcased a “skullet” – a bold, bald-man interpretation of the classic style.
The crowd was as diverse as the hairstyles themselves. A seven-year-old, proudly sporting a “MULLET LIFE 6-7” shirt, revealed a two-year dedication to cultivating his flow. Meanwhile, 43-year-old Kyle Wertman drew inspiration from wrestling legend Hacksaw Jim Duggan.
Wertman, who works in industrial air compressor sales and service, described the attention his mullet receives back home in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. “They like to fluff the curls in the back,” he said, “’Look at this thing, it’s got a mind of its own!’”
The event wasn’t simply a competition; it was a celebration of individuality and a testament to the enduring appeal of a hairstyle that refuses to fade away. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected gatherings can be the most joyful.
