Catch The Buzz About Casper’s First Vintage Pin-up Pageant

David Street Station in Casper has been buzzing lately. Last weekend was the successful and packed 10th Anniversary of Funky Junk, and this weekend looks like it will be packed again with Memorial Day Weekend festivities and the first-ever Miss Oil City 1950s Vintage Pin-Up Pageant.

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The pageant is the first of its kind in Casper but not a new concept nationwide. Amy Frontiero with Black Sheep Photography competes in other pin-up pageants and, around Thanksgiving of 2024, began tossing around the idea of holding an event in Casper.

Many potential pageant pin-ups expressed interest right away. Amy immediately began gathering vendors, and by the end of December, she had filled three-quarters of the vendor spaces. The interest is so strong she's already started planning for the 2026 pageant.

Pin-up models became popular around WW II and soared in popularity in the 1950s. The concept began when Burlesque performers and actresses used their pin-up pictures on posters and cards to promote upcoming shows.

The pictures became popular with military members, and many had the photos with them during the war. As time passed, the concept evolved, and men's magazines took pin-up modeling to another level. Over the last few years pin-up models, burlesque, and events have made a resurgence.

The Miss Oil City Pageant celebrates the 1950s pin-up girls, hot rods, and drinks. 27 contestants have already signed up, and they'll come from all over Wyoming and other states, the furthest being Hawaii.

The girls are competing for five crowns.

• Miss Oil City - Top Crown
• Miss Rock-a-billy
• Miss Vintage
• Miss Congeniality
• Miss Ink

The winners will receive a crown, a sash, and a $500 cash prize.

There will be a meet-n-greet Friday night at Backwards Distilling Company from 7 to 9 pm, where you can meet the girls and sip on cocktails inspired by the 50s.

Vendors, food trucks, hot rods, drinks from Backwards Distilling Company, and Mia the Walmart dog will all be at David Street Station on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. The day will include pose-offs with the pin-ups, hot rods on display, and the pageant.

The day will be fun for the whole family and will support 'Buck Off Bullying' and anti-bullying 501c3, which provide services to kids in the community affected by bullying.

Take a listen to the interview with Drew and Amy Frontiero