It’s all rat rods, classic cars and trucks, motorcycles, swing bands, pinup girls, and all else retro at the 9th annual Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion this weekend – even if the weather is forecast to become wild.
There were at least 100 event vendors set up at Rockabilly Friday as the festivities kicked off the weekend. Displays included guitars, yard art, a barber, clothing and many pinup-themed accessories,
Robert Singleton’s “A Pinup’s Closet” vendor booth was among them. This is his sixth year traveling to Havasu for Rockabilly Reunion.
“It’s a great show, it’s fun, and you can’t get a better view,” Singleton, of Orange County, Calif., said.
It’s the rhinestone cat-eye sunglasses and specialty purses that rank among the booth’s most popular items sold. Other items include clothing, collector pins, feather boas, jewelry and other trinkets.
Nearby, another vendor showcased the high-waisted shorts, cherry cardigan sweaters, swing skirts and swing dresses.
“This is one of my favorite shows because of the green grass and the bands playing,” said event vendor Amy Ortiz, of Las Vegas, Nev.
This is the fourth time that Ortiz has traveled to Havasu to set up her “Rockin’ Bettie” booth for Rockabilly Reunion.
First-time Rockabilly vendor CeCe Hernandez, of California, said she has waited a year for this event after learning about it too late in 2016.
“I consistently follow this since it has started,” Hernandez said. “I’ve just never had the opportunity before this,”
Hernandez’ booth, “Laced Up Corset” has specialty under busts and fascinators, which are just a big gaudy flower barrettes, she said.
Rockabilly Reunion continues Saturday and Sunday with more live entertainment from at least 30 bands. There are performances scheduled on two stages this year. One is in the parking lot, the other is near the beach.
Saturday, the Gretsch stage near the beach has live entertainment scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. including Johnny & The Jail Store, Easter – Danny Dean, The Booze Bombs, The Octanes, Cash’d Out, Thirsty Crows, Taken Names, and Outlaw Daddies.
Seven more acts are booked for the PB&J Water stage in the parking lot. Shows begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and include Billy & the Kids, Galactic Polecats, Gino & The Lone Gunmen, Danger Cakes, Limit Club, Molly Moonstone, and Ruby Dee & the Snake Handlers.
Sunday, the Gretsch stage near the beach has activities scheduled each hour including kid pageant awards at 1:15 p.m.; Pinup Contest awards at 2:30 p.m.; and the car and motorcycle show awards at 4:30 p.m.
Five bands are scheduled to play about an hour at a time on the Gretsch stage Sunday. Entertainment includes The Deadbeat Daddies, Honey Drops, Hard Six, Hot Rod Trio, and Cash’d Out.
Live entertainment on the PB&J Water stage in the parking lot is set for 11:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with bands including Twilight Drifters, The Rockabillys, Sandbox Bullies, and Rockin Rebels.
The event continues 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Lake Havasu State Park’s Windsor 4. Tickets available at the gate. Children 10 and younger admitted free. For more information, visit www.lakehavasurockabillyreunion.com.
Ken Gallagher/RiverScene:
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