Rock N’ Roll Weekend is Coming Up!
Rock N’ Roll Weekend is Coming Up
Classic Cars, Pin-up Girls, and Elvis… What More Could You Want?
Photos / Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce
Although the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce hosts several festivals and events each year, Brian McFadden, chamber executive director, says Rock n’ Roll Weekend is a favorite of Ellicottville locals, though it draws many visitors, too! The last event of the summer, Rock n’ Roll Weekend takes place from September 15-17th, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From live music to classic cars to a pin-up contest, each day of the event celebrates the best of a bygone era while incorporating something new!
For music lovers, this is a must-attend event, as 15 regional bands will be performing throughout Ellicottville’s bars and restaurants, all free of charge. On Saturday, Queen tribute band “Queen City” will be performing live outdoors at 1:00pm, and on Sunday, local favorite Terry Buchwald will be performing as Elvis at 1:30pm. Both concerts are free of charge.
On Sunday, the annual car show, which typically includes over 200 vehicles, takes place from noon-5:00pm. McFadden said, “We have a team from out of town that comes in to do the judging, and they also help promote the event. We have participants from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and southern Ontario.”
A unique feature of this car show is that all vehicles are parked in category order: eight categories, one per block. Categories include Classic (all stock vehicles from 1960-1989), Late Model (all stock vehicles from 1990 and later), Sports Cars, Rods, Convertibles, Custom, Trucks, and Antique. Registration is open now at ellicottvilleny.com. “We always sell out,” said McFadden. “There are only so many cars allowed in each class because space is limited. Once a class is full, we take it off the website.”
McFadden noted another unusual feature about the car show that draws many visitors. “We’re one of the few regional car shows that’s set up in the business district,” he said. “Most are in a field or a large parking lot. Here, the ladies and families like to come, too! They can go for lunch, go shopping, and you don’t have to walk far to do that.” McFadden reminds visitors that this is a family-friendly event, and Ellicottville does have an open-container law.
This year’s event includes the 2nd Annual Ms. EVL Rock & Roll pinup contest at the gazebo on Sunday, September 17th. Alicia Pearl of Ava Grace Fashions will be hosting the event, which is one of several she has organized over the years. While Pearl has participated as a contestant in past pinup contests, her true passion is hosting them. “I really like that our event gives a platform to ladies who don’t necessarily do this all of the time,” she said.
So what exactly is a pinup contest? “Basically, it’s like a pageant where women show off their vintage style,” Pearl explained. “Some people confuse it with a ‘centerfold,’ but that’s not what it is at all! Everyone is fully clothed. My kids will be there,” Pearl laughed. “Think ‘old Hollywood!” All contestants must be at least 18 years of age and identify as female. As this is a vintage pinup contest, 1930s to 1950s attire is recommended. Though the outfit doesn’t need to actually be vintage, the look and overall style should suit the time period. Props such as gloves, glasses, jewelry, small handheld items, and more are acceptable.
The goal of the contest is to help women feel good about themselves and feel celebrated – both of which are important to mental health. Toward that end, the pinup contest helps raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Out of the Darkness Walk, a local chapter in Cattaraugus County. Those who register for the contest are asked to bring an item for the silent auction in addition to their $10 entry fee. Proceeds will benefit NAMI and Out of the Darkness. To register, stop by Ava Grace Fashions or go online to bit.ly/3YWHhIX.
Pre-registration is from 11:00-11:30am at the gazebo, and the contest begins at noon. There will be first, second and third place winners of the contest, and the first place winner will receive a two-night stay in Ellicottville. The silent auction will be held from 11:30am-1:00pm; winners will be announced just after the crowning of Ms. EVL Rock & Roll.
If you have questions about Rock n' Roll Weekend, call the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at 800-349-9099 or email info@ellicottvilleny.com. Find other events, shopping, dining and lodging options at ellicottvilleny.com.