Now in its third year, the alternative fashion show Polarpalooza is now coming
into its own, according to its founder.Anna Buntain created the event in 2010 to run in
conjunction with Bowling Green’s Winterfest. The idea would be to give anyone the chance
to be a fashion maven and beauty contestant.This year six contestants will troll the
runway. The event will be Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Art Slam space on 133 E. Wooster
St., Bowling Green.The cast will include the show’s first ever male model, Shad Powell,
wearing a samurai-inspired fashions designed by Suzanne Whittaker.He joins: Stasi
Wojtkiewicz, as Billion Dollar Blizzard, inspired by Alice Cooper; Becky Hoopman, who’ll
use recycled materials in her outfit; Megan Beebe, as Alberta Clipper, a weather
forecaster; Antoinette Stephens, who’ll play on the contrasts as Fire and Ice; and
Kelsey Elam as Noel Lights."I’m pretty impressed with what people are coming up
with this time," Buntain said. "It’s becoming more elaborate, becoming more
what I wanted it to be."Having a new space every year has become something of a
tradition. The first year it was in the gym of the old South Main Street School, and the
second year in a former church on East Court.The storefront at 133 E. Wooster will be in
use throughout the weekend featuring an art show and music."We’ll be cozy,"
Buntain said of the smaller venue. "I like t when we’re closer."The audience
will vote on their favorite contestant.There’ll be other events including a popsicle
eating contest, and a 50-50 raffle."I never know what to expect," she said.
"It’s different every time.’Buntain said she enjoys mixing her creative side – she
graduated with a degree in art from Bowling Green State University in 206 – with her
organizational skills. "It makes m feel like I’m doing what I ought to be
doing."
