Bratwurst Festival Pigtail Contest

Sponsored by Mane Rage Salon

The Pigtail Contest will take place Saturday, August 16, 2025, on the Schines Art Park Stage. The contest will start promptly at 12:00 PM.

Please read the information carefully before entering your child. Entry form and $5.00 entry fee (check or money order payable to Bratwurst Festival, Inc.) may be mailed or delivered to:

Bratwurst Festival, Inc. Attn.: PIGTAIL 330 S. Sandusky Ave. Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 OR Mane Rage Salon Attn.: PIGTAIL 122 E Charles St. Bucyrus, Ohio 44820

Pigtail Contest Information

Registration must be received by Monday, July 28, 2025, to guarantee a participation gift and Pigtail Contest T-shirt. However, registration will be accepted up until the end of check-in on the day of the contest.

Open to children ages 3–11 (age as of August 1, 2025).

Check-in is required even if you pre-register. Check-in runs from 11:15 AM to 11:50 AM.

Prizes awarded to the overall winner, plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group.

1st–3rd place winners in each category are invited to participate in the Saturday Parade at 4:00 PM (note: under age 8 must be accompanied by a guardian).

Pigtail Contest Requirements

Hair must be braided into two pigtails (either regular or French braids).

No single braids, ponytails, or imitation hair permitted.

Participants not following the hair guidelines will be disqualified.

Participants must wear their provided name tag during judging.

Judging Rules

Judged by a licensed cosmetologist.

Measurement taken from the top of the ear to the rubber band.

Measurements will not be disclosed to the public.

No parents/guardians on stage, unless accommodations were pre-arranged on the form.

Judge’s decisions are final.

Parade Information

Winners eligible for the parade will meet at 3:15 PM at the Speedway parking lot (corner of E. Perry St. & N. Sandusky Ave.).

Children not accompanied by a guardian must be picked up immediately after the parade at the UDF lot (W. Center St. & S. Sandusky Ave.).

Please have their hair braided the same as during the contest.