Pin-up contest brings Rockabilly to Super Run

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This article was published 14/07/2022 (1218 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Horsepower and High Heels Pin Up Contest will be bringing Rockabilly to the farm during the 2022 Brandon Super Run.

Vintage queen Megan Hamill will be rolling into Super Run in her 1946 Hudson Coupe. She is the sponsor of the pin-up contest through her business, Megan Hamill Lashes.

Rockabilly culture and clothing are a big part of car shows in the United States, Hamill said. She wants to see the scene grow in Westman. Rockabilly draws inspiration from the styles of the ’50s and ’60s in creating outfits while wearing them in contemporary culture.

“It would be great to introduce that to our shows just to bring a little extra flair to our events,” she said. “I wanted to invest in my community and help bring that together … everybody loves wearing fun dresses and getting dressed up and having fun hair — it’s flirty, it’s fun, it’s good for everyone of all ages. It just gives an extra flair to shows.”

The pin-up competition is a celebration and showcase of those who love Rockabilly culture — a period that pairs perfectly with classic cars.

The competition will feature contestants on stage showing off their best outfits and hairstyles. Their goal will be to capture the essence of Rockabilly. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes and contestants can participate in a professional photo shoot hosted by Deanna Lynn Photography.

“It’s for anyone who would like to participate in the pin-up contest. They shouldn’t feel intimidated. It’s fun for everyone. Children to grandmas, it’s a full family event,” Hamill said. “Any style of vintage dress, it’s up to you and what you feel comfortable in. It’s just for fun and everyone is invited.”

The event will have three judges on hand for the contest.

Hamill is one of the judges and will be looking for style — people who have nice vintage wear, accessories and period-appropriate hair. She described the ideal look as someone capturing the vibe of their personality with the style of their outfit.

“Although we call it a pin-up show you do not have to come pin-up. If you have a vintage style that is a rocking ’30s, you are more than welcome to come,” Hamill said.

The competition will feature a women’s section and a men’s section.

For more information, visit the Horsepower and High Heels Pin Up Contest on social media or to sign up for the free contest.

The contest takes place July 30 at 2 p.m. at the Mazer Acreage.

Super Run will be returning to Brandon for the August long weekend running July 29-31.

Road Rebels president and Super Run organizer Dave Burba is looking forward to seeing the largest outdoor car show on the Prairies roll into Brandon.

“Everyone is just excited to be out and looking at cars,” Burba said.

The event has experienced some tribulations as it nears the finish line due to a combination of rising gas prices and the last-minute shakeup of moving from its planned location at Grand Valley Campground.

The Super Run will now be taking place at Mazer Acreage, located nine kilometres west of Brandon from 34th and Victoria Avenue. The Super Run website includes a Google Map pin for the address and signage will also be placed on the highway during the event.

The move to a new area was necessitated after the death of Grand Valley Campground owner Jordan Ross at the end of June.

“The gas was probably the biggest deterrent for anybody who’s travelling any distance … the tragedy that went on there [at Grand Valley Campground] definitely affected some people having to change location,” Burba said. “The new location has been very positive for us as organizers. The people who are coming seem to be very satisfied with it, too.”

Organizers are hoping to see about 600 rides in attendance — the number of cars seen at the last Super Run in 2019.

The weekend will be jam-packed with festivities celebrating car culture, introducing some new and returning events that complement the classic cars, vintage campers and other unique vehicles on site.

Super Run events for registered participants kick off July 25 with a cruise to the Manitoba Antique Automobile Museum in Elkhorn and a barbecue lunch along with visits to Virden and Kola to visit personal car collections.

On July 26, a cruise will take off to Boissevain to visit three museums, with stops in Melita and Souris.

On July 27, a tour will hit the road to visit Riding Mountain National Park and Neepawa.

On July 28, a tour will visit Portage la Prairie before kicking off Super Run festivities in Brandon with a downtown cruise night.

On July 29, cruisers visit Baldur and Treherne before Super Run officially begins at 5 p.m. at Mazer Acreage. The evening will end with a performance by The Bad Brothers Band.

The one-of-a-kind car show officially begins on July 30. It will be a busy day that opens to spectators at 10 a.m. The day will include a balance beam competition, an old car corral, swap meet, potential Model-T assembly, and the pin-up contest before closing the night off with a rock ’n’ roll dance.

On July 31, gates open at 10 a.m. Valve races will take place, and the presentation of awards will conclude festivities at 3 p.m.

Super Run welcomed all types of rides in 2019, centred on the philosophy that if a car is special for the owner, then it is special for the show. The doors to Super Run remain open to all types of rigs in 2022.

“We opened it up to all types of cars. New ones, modern, everything. The whole hobby includes all those vehicles, and if it’s something that is special to you, we feel that it’s special to show off to everybody else,” Burba said.

» ckemp@brandonsun.com

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