Party in the back, competition in the front! Discover the quirky charm of the Iowa State Fair Mullet Contest — where business meets bold style. See contestants of all ages show off their epic hair and Iowa pride.
It’s the hairstyle that refuses to go quietly — and at the Iowa State Fair, the mullet takes center stage. From toddlers to grown-ups, contestants bring their best "business in the front, party in the back" looks to the annual Mullet Contest. Whether it’s vintage flair, modern attitude, or full-blown nostalgia, this offbeat competition is all about personality, pride, and some seriously epic hair. Join us for a look at one of the Fair’s most talked-about traditions — where every mullet has a story.
Transcript
[Contest Emcee] All right, who's ready to see some mullets?
(Crowd cheering)
♪ ♪
[Dana Lain] So, Wyatt, you won the mullet contest. How are you feeling?
[Wyatt Gardner] Good.
[Dana] Good. What does it take to have a mullet?
[Wyatt] I don't know.
[Dana] What do you think, Mom? Pretty awesome.
[Wyatt’s mom] We got second last year, so we were going for first this year. What do you think is your favorite part about having a mullet?
Definitely has an attitude with it. Not sure it's my favorite, but he has one.
There are three different age groups in this contest. Six year old and younger, 7 to 12 year olds and 13 years old and up. Judges are looking for creativity and design originality.
[Emcee] For the 7 to 12 age group for the mullet competition, Harley.
(Crowd cheering)
[Harley Rice] I got it because I had some friends in my school that had them and my cousins, so I just thought it would be a good idea to have it until I figured out of the Mullet Contest.
[Dana] What do you think a mullet would say if it could talk?
[Harley] I don't know. Probably, it's very hot out here. He's gonna have to say bye bye tomorrow.
[Dana] You're gonna have to say goodbye to it tomorrow?
[Harley’s mom] Daddy did a lot of the coaching when it came to his moves and just really kind of working the crowd, and he was cheering from the top. We told our local community that he was gonna be doing this, and they really showed up for us. We're really proud.
[Dana] Oh, that's awesome.
♪ ♪
[Dana] So, wow, you won the Mullet Contest. Tell us, how are you feeling right now?
[Rai Tokuhisa] I am feeling ecstatic and elated about this mullet competition because I believe I've been daydreaming about this for a hot minute.
[Dana] What made you decide to have a mullet?
So you know how the last few years post pandemic, everyone's got to, like, get back into the grind and have a really good life goal? I just needed something that felt fun, that I was going to feel good no matter what happens. And being out, like, finding your people in a line full of mullet wearers is a very good feeling.
10 out of 10 encourage anyone to enter next year's competition.
♪ Keep on rocking. ♪
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