Business up front, party in the back.

The mullet-style haircut was in full effect Saturday in Coeur d’Alene as North Idaho State fairgoers went head-to-head and hair-to-hair in a good ol’ fashion best mullet contest.

Using an applause factor to determine the best hairdo, two Kootenai County locals were judged a cut above. This includes Athol’s Jered Belgarde, 9, and Hauser’s Charles Winterer, 7.

“Shakable, fluffy and long,” Belgarde said of what it takes to have an award-winning mullet.

Belgarde took second place at last year’s contest and was awarded a ribbon and a free Jamba Juice drink. Prior to Saturday’s event, which drew about 20 spectators, he expressed eagerness to take this year’s top crown.

“He’s been growing it out for two years,” Krystal Belgarde, Jered’s mother, said of her son’s dedication to his mullet.

Jered Belgarde, whose light blond hair nearly reaches halfway down his back, uses Cremo hair products to help perfect his mullet. He said he wants his hairdo to one day grow long enough to reach his boots.

Winterer, taking one year to grow his mullet, went with a more decorative look at Saturday’s contest. In his win, he wore multiple chains around his neck while the reflection of the crowd glinted in his Pit Viper wraparound shield sunglasses.

Winterer, with darker blond hair that curls just past his shoulders, also spoke of what it takes to perfect the mullet.

“A good barber,” he said.

The mullet style has ancient roots, according to the history books. With nicknames such as Kentucky waterfall and Missouri compromise, some of the first peoples to fashion the look were Romans, Greeks and Celtic warriors. 

In fact, Roman chariot hooligans were known to sport the bi-level look in sixth century BC.

“I’m super impressed by the mullets I see in here,” said Serena Caples, North Idaho State Fair Foundation Development director and mullet contest host.

In addition to its heritage, mullets are the go-to hairstyle for many modern-day celebrities and artists. It’s the signature look for country music star Morgan Wallen. Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie’s eccentric alter ego, sported his iconic orange mullet in the 1970s. Actor Paul Mescal even dons the mullet when he cruises the red carpet.

But mullets aren’t for everyone, according to the contestants. Jered Belgarde said those interested in carrying on the mullet legacy must "have pride” in their pursuit.

“Don’t care about what other people think about it,” he said of the mullet. “Be yourself.”

    Hauser's own Charles Winterer, 7, participates in the best mullet contest at the North Idaho State Fair in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday.
  

    Hair from the mullet of Athol's Jered Belgarde, 9, flows down to his back during the best mullet contest at the North Idaho State Fair in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday.