Miss Throwback Contest takes Fest-goers back to a different era; Fest set for Aug. 27-29 at Milwaukee & Elston
by BRIAN NADIG
Meet “Miss Throwback 2019”
Millie Rose Mitchell, who is a U.S. Army civilian employee and all serves as a 1st Sergeant in the Reserves, won the Miss Throwback Pinup Contest in 2019 and will be serving as a judge for the 2021 contest, whose winner will be crowned on Sunday afternoon, Aug, 29, during the three-day Throwback Music Fest near Milwaukee and Elston avenues in Gladstone Park on Chicago’s Far Northwest Side.
These contests attract contestants who pay homage to the 1940s, 1950s and very early 1960s. They surround themselves in the culture, history, music, attire of that era. The “Mitchell” in Millie Rose Mitchell is a tribute to the American B-25 Mitchell, a bomber introduced in WWII and named after Major General William “Billy” Mitchell.
Contestants also gather at car shows and other events like the Throwback Music Fest, and they talk about their “throwback” hobby, have some fun and raise money for a charity.
“It’s a lifestyle for most of us,” said Sweet Alice Sin, the organizer of the Miss Throwback Contest. She says that she “grew up” with a love for the fashion and styles of the pinup era and that her home is adorned with furniture and other objects of the era.
Millie Rose says she entered her first contest a few years ago and won. She now runs that contest.
She says contestants basically “cling on to the good part” of those decades and each contest is “a labor of love.” The best part is meeting “like-minded” people who love talking about their hobby, she adds.
In 2019, Miss Millie impressed impressed Miss Throwback judges with her knowledge of history, explaining how General Patton was an inspiration to her.
Proceeds from the Miss Throwback contest benefit Battle Betties, a nonprofit organization that supports military personnel, their families and veterans, according to Sweet Alice Sin. More information is available at www.battlebetties.org.
The sponsor of this year’s contest is State Farm Agent Beth Cadwalader.
The Throwback Music Fest, which will be held Aug. 27 to 29, includes a classic car show. Gate donation is $7.
More information is available at www.throwbackmusicfest.com
Or view the Throwback Fest Program Here
