From the very beginning of their existence, pin-up girls have charmed their way into the minds of the world. Their history can be traced back to WWI when women were used as visual stimulus to persuade men to join the war. As a result, the soldiers would pin the photos of these rosy-cheeked women up on a wall as a reminder of what they were fighting for. They became a source of encouragement for these men and, a symbol of strength for women.
Although pin-up girls are not used as a war effort anymore, they continue to gain popularity among both men and women, especially in events like the 7th annual Great American Rockabilly Riot run by last year’s winner Millie Rose Mitchell and 2016’s winner Cherri Kola.
As the event approaches, it brings a new mass of pin-up girls awaiting their debut into the rockabilly world, along with the returning pin-up girls. Despite it being a competition where the contestants are competing to be crowned “Ms. Great American Rockabilly Riot Pin-Up Queen,” the women are brought together in a friendly environment where the community supports one another’s uniqueness.
“Pin-ups help bring people together by promoting body positivity and inclusiveness. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or a 32. You can be beautiful no matter what and when you love something, you want to share it,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell was a newcomer to pin-up contests, but has been an avid pin-up fashionista for 31 years. After being stationed in Ft. Bliss last year, Mitchell (who is being promoted to an E8 Master Sergeant in September) stumbled upon a pin-up contest during her search for the Sun City’s rockabilly community to make some friends with shared interests. She decided to sign up and ended up winning last year’s title, plus more competitions and agreed to run this year’s contest.
“You meet lots of people and it’s just a great environment. You’re there with friends, by the time you get to the stage and it’s actually about doing something unique and fun, and you make friends who love dressing up while having a good time with a cocktail,” said Mitchell.
The competition will be held on Saturday September 1st at 6pm. The event welcomes all women ages 21 and up who identify as female to join the contest. The contestants must be fully clothed and cannot be wearing lingerie.
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Pre-registration will be held on Facebook. Registration is currently open to the public but will end with 12 finalists. GARR weekend pass is required for all chosen contestants.
facebook.com/GreatAmericanRockabillyRiot
