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Carmichael Times

Pin-ups Parade at Annual Founders Day Birthday Bash

Oct 03, 2019 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Pin-up culture models posed among vintage vehicles during Founders Day celebrations at Carmichael Park. Showing a leg were Suzie Shortcake (left), Candy Apple Red, Sara Slushy, Cupcake Calamity, Devin De Ville, Bet D, Miss Sunshine and Petina Puppy. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Pin-ups Parade at Annual Founders Day Birthday Bash [4 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s 110th birthday united critters, cars and community in Carmichael Park this Saturday, September 28th. The area’s biggest car show spotlighted more than 100 classic vehicles and sponsored a contest to celebrate the world-wide phenomenon of pin-up culture. From among bevy of vintage-style beauties, a Rancho Cordova grandma was acclaimed “Miss Classy Chassis”. Show sponsors – the Cappuccino Cruisers car club – hope to make the contest an annual event in Carmichael.

Rolled bangs and seamed stockings were seamlessly compatible with vehicles that cruised when Betty Grable wore platforms and artist Alberto Vargas airbrushed the girl-next door. Post WW II fashion is eternally in vogue for latter-day Grables who pose, primp and fundraise for charity; they also convene thousands-strong Las Vegas conventions where only excess suffices.

Special occasions aside, some ruby-lipped divas embrace pin-up culture for everyday life. “I dress like this all the time,” claimed contest winner Rosalie Perona (AKA Candy Apple Red). “To me, it isn’t a costume, I dress like this to go shopping at Target.”

Beyond posing and primping, the ladies in lipstick expound liberated philosophies. “We’re not a one-size fits all group,” explained contestant organizer Devan Magas (AKA Calamity Cupcake). “We come in all ages and shapes. Some of us are shy but when the red lipstick goes on, you’re out of your comfort zone; the look says confidence. Dressing like this is empowering.”

Fundraising is a by-product of sashaying at car shows.  “Many of us use the pinup platform to help veterans, animals and mental health causes,” says fitness instructor Suzie Shortcake. “A girl can do a lot of good in platform heels.” 

Learn about Pin-up opportunities at Cupcake Calamity on Facebook.