Campbellton pinup champ hosting pageant

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Retired pinup champion Nathalie Thibeault is giving back to her favourite pastime.

Thibeault, who won the title of Miss Radical Speedsport at Moncton’s annual car show in 2018, is planning the first-ever Miss North Shore Pinup Girl competition for this summer.

She said she’s already heard interest from at least 13 women who want to compete.

Contestants dress in traditional 1950s clothing with hairdos, accessories and shoes of the era.

She said COVID put an end to her participation in events but decided instead to host a local one.

“I don’t recall ever having seen one around here, at least not in a long time. In November, my friends asked me and my husband to a night of swing dancing so we dressed in our best 1950s clothes and noticed there wasn’t a lot of people dressed up and it hit me: I’ll organize a pinup myself,” she said.

The contest is being planned in conjunction with A&W, which will hold it annual MS fundraiser on Aug. 22, that also feature dozens of local antique cars. The pinup competition will be in the parking lot at the Sugarloaf Mall.

“Pinup ladies and vintage cars go hand-in-hand so I knew it would be a success,” said Thibeault.

Thibeault said it’s free to participate and she’s still taking contestants.

“I cannot believe my dream has finally become a reality,” she said. “I’m hoping this will be an annual event held during the MS fundraiser at A&W.”

The top three from the competition will win a variety of different prizes supplied by local businesses.