A Step Back in Time

(From left) Sage Conrad, Rachel Aznoe, Claire Erickson, Anna Mae Beyer and Gwen Whitney pose during the annual Pin-ups and Pistons photo shoot. Photo by Luke Collins.

Baileys Harbor’s AutumnFest returns Sept. 25

Picture this: You’re strolling through town, and the words to “Peggy Sue” are floating through your mind – or maybe they’re coming from the local bar. A ’56 Chevy Bel-Air drives past and pulls up next to a ’53 Studebaker Golden Hawk. The locals are enjoying food and drinks, and all around you, pin-up models are posing with tourists.

This isn’t a scene out of American Graffiti – it’s Baileys Harbor’s AutumnFest. 

“We’re very excited to welcome people back to our events – to show off all Baileys Harbor has to offer,” said Ellie Solderberg of the Baileys Harbor Community Association. “It’s going to be a really great time.”

The festivities will kick off at 8 am with the Hey Hey 5K beginning at the Door County Brewing Co., followed by the Classic Auto & Motorcycle Show, 9 am – 3 pm. Throughout the day, pin-ups modeling fashions from all time periods will be hanging out with visitors and participating in the Pin-ups & Pistons photo shoot with photographer Luke Collins. The photos will then be used in a 2022 calendar. The same models will be helping with registration and working in the beer tent. 

“My experience has always been really wonderful, getting together with an incredible group of women, and playing with color, angles, lighting and all the makings of a beautiful shoot,” said Zephyr Ciesar, who has modeled at AutumnFest in the past. “I love the camaraderie that blossoms throughout the day and all the memories captured through the lens.” 

Food will be available from Wally’s Weenie Wagon, The Dog House and Cindy’s Fresh Egg Rolls, and Mighty Mouth will perform at Kendall Park, 11 am – 3 pm.

“It’s truly a kiss to the end of summer as we begin our journey into the colorful autumn season,” Ciesar said.