The mullet made a spirited comeback at the North Idaho State Fair in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, as youth competitors showcased their flowing locks in an applause-based styling contest that drew roughly two dozen spectators. The event celebrated the resurgence of a hairstyle that has captured the imagination of celebrities and music stars in recent years.
Nine-year-old Jered Belgarde of Athol claimed top honors in the competition. His light blond mullet, which he has cultivated over the past two years, extends nearly halfway down his back. Belgarde attributed his victory to a combination of grooming techniques. “Shakable, fluffy and long” are what it takes to have an award-winning mullet, he told spectators. The young competitor uses Cremo hair products to maintain his distinctive style.
Belgarde’s win marked redemption after finishing second in last year’s contest, when he received a ribbon and a free Jamba Juice drink as a consolation prize.
Second Place and Style Statement
Charles Winterer of Hauser, age 7, secured second place in the competition. Winterer has been growing his darker blond mullet for one year, with the curled ends reaching just past his shoulders. The young stylist made a fashion statement at the event by pairing his mullet with multiple chains around his neck and a pair of Pit Viper wraparound shield sunglasses—accessories that completed his retro-inspired aesthetic.
A Hairstyle With Ancient Roots
The mullet, characterized by its distinctive business-in-front, party-in-back silhouette, boasts a longer history than many assume. Romans, Greeks, and Celtic warriors fashioned variations of the bi-level style in ancient times. Roman chariot enthusiasts in the sixth century BC popularized the look as a practical and fashionable choice.
In more recent decades, the mullet has experienced a cultural resurgence, particularly through high-profile figures. Country music star Morgan Wallen sports a mullet as a signature look, while actor Paul Mescal has worn the style on red carpets. The style gained iconic status in the 1970s when David Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, appeared in an orange mullet that became instantly recognizable.
Fair Officials Impressed
Serena Caples, the North Idaho State Fair Foundation’s development director, expressed enthusiasm for the caliber of entries. “I’m super impressed by the mullets I see in here,” she told the Coeur d’Alene Press, underscoring the fair’s commitment to celebrating both traditional and contemporary expressions of personal style.
The North Idaho State Fair returns annually to Coeur d’Alene as a cornerstone community celebration, blending competitive events, family activities, and opportunities for local organizations to engage the region. The mullet contest represents the fair’s lighthearted approach to drawing families and children into the traditional fairground experience.