The Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg once again proved that some hairstyles never truly go out of fashion. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the event hall was packed for the third consecutive year for a celebration dedicated entirely to the iconic mullet.
Mullet Mania Returns to Harrisburg
This fan-favourite event saw more than 100 enthusiasts gather to showcase their version of the hairstyle famously described as "business in the front and a party in the back." Contestants of all ages brought flair, props, and undeniable commitment to the craft, competing across four different age categories.
Judges evaluated participants on style, presentation, and their overall dedication to the mullet lifestyle. Brittany Goldberg, owner of Philadelphia's Heavy Metal Hair Salon and a judge for the competition, emphasized the event's spirit. "This is for fun," she told The Associated Press. "It's about the camaraderie and everyone having a laugh and a good time."
Tributes to Legends and Movie Stars
The contest paid homage to mullet-wearing icons from various fields. The state of Pennsylvania has a storied connection to the hairstyle through Czech hockey legend Jaromir Jagr, who sported a legendary version during his high-scoring years with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This year, one young winner looked to Hollywood for inspiration. Drew Fleschut, a 10-year-old from Dallas, Pennsylvania, won "best in grow" in his category by channeling actor David Spade's character from the 2001 comedy "Joe Dirt." Complete with a mop, bucket, and a red-and-black shirt, Drew's tribute earned him a top prize: a coveted 1976 Chevrolet Camaro bumper.
Flair, Skullets, and Community Spirit
The creativity on display was a major highlight. Contestants employed magic tricks, custom T-shirts, and dynamic dance moves to impress the panel of judges and thousands of spectators. The event even featured a "skullet"—a bold, bald-man's interpretation of the classic mullet.
The competition attracted dedicated fans who had spent years cultivating their look. One 7-year-old competitor wore a shirt reading "MULLET LIFE 6-7" after spending two years growing his hair. Another participant, 43-year-old Kyle Wertman from Murrysville, drew inspiration from wrestling icon Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Wertman, who works in industrial air compressor sales, noted the attention his hairstyle attracts back home, saying people often marvel at how his curls in the back "have a mind of their own."
Judge Brittany Goldberg told ABC affiliate WGAL that key factors for a winning mullet include significant length and unique flair. "We love the style. (But) do you have flair, do you have accessories? There's the presentation," she explained.
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show mullet contest successfully blended nostalgia, humour, and community, proving that this much-maligned yet celebrated haircut continues to have a passionate and growing following.
