Vendors Offer Something For Everyone At Rockabilly Reunion

By Becky Maxedon

The 16^th Rockabilly Reunion is in full swing and in addition to the great cars, pinup girls and rockin’ music there are vendors offering wares that reflect the spirit of the event. Vendors are displaying everything from T-shirts to pinup dresses to hair flowers, as well as several food vendors and a beer tent.

One young entrepreneur is marking her first experience at Rockabilly Reunion.

Ryker Elliott is an 8-year-old from Show Low displaying the jewelry she makes. “I actually made everything here. I make gemstone jewelry, kid’s bracelets with C beads and necklaces,” Ryker Elliott said.

Ryker and her 5-year-old sister Levi – who makes slime – are set up for success.

“I like helping people decide what they like,” Ryker said. Ryker said she turns on music and, “I can crank out about 30 pieces in two hours,” she said.

Ryker Elliot’s bracelets are on display in her vendor booth at Rockabilly Reunion. Some of the bracelets are made to be like friendship bracelets that Taylor Swift fans give to each other. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Casey Elliott is the girls’ mother and she explained how this all began.

“Ryker came to myself and her dad and told us she wanted an ATV,” Casey Elliott said.

“We told her she would have to earn it – have skin in the game. We told her if she saved $1,000, we would meet up with her for the rest,” she said.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Ryker saved her allowance to purchase her first bead kit and Ryk’s Rocks and Wristlets was launched.

Since January 2023, Ryker has earned enough money to pay for an ATV herself. She has paid for all the materials that go into her enterprise herself.

“She’s done many events, but Rockabilly is the biggest so far,” Casey Elliott said.

Rockabilly Reunion continues through Sunday at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4. Check therockabillyreunion.com website for complete information.