Bikini Model, Term 'Midget' Axed From Dixon Fairgrounds Billboard After Complaints

DIXON, CA -- An image of a bikini-clad female on a billboard at the entrance to Dixon May Fair has been changed to remove the scantily-clad woman after community members complained that the signage advertising the upcoming Renegade Rendezvous Bike Show and Tattoo Expo contained “objectionable content.” A reference to “midgets” was also removed from the banner.

In a statement this week to Patch, Dixon May Fair said: “The fair received complaints from the community regarding the sign. After conferring with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which has oversight of the Fair, it was decided to remove the objectionable content from the sign. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with the promoter over the years and are looking forward to a successful event.”

Troy Rowsey, the Sacramento-based promoter who puts on the annual rally for motorcycle and tattoo enthusiasts, said he was surprised when the fairgrounds notified him about the initial change to the sign. The 8- by 12-foot banner is now blank where the bikini-wearing woman once stood.

The 12th annual event is slated for Sept. 9 at the fairgrounds, and according to Rowsey, bikini contests are a main part of the entertainment lineup.

While Rowsey did not agree with the fairgrounds' decision to take down the image — he said it bordered on being "unconstitutional" and "censorship" — he said he has enjoyed an "outstanding" long-term relationship with fairgrounds staff and intends to keep it that way.

"We have an excellent relationship with the fairgrounds, the employees and the Dixon police," Rowsey said. "We have been there 12 years and this isn't going to hinder it whatsoever."

The content of the Renegade Rendezvous banner at Dixon May Fair varies from year to year depending on what the main attraction is, Rowsey explained. Within days of putting up this year’s sign, however, he was notified of at least five complaints.

According to Rowsey, he was notified again a few days later that a second change had been made to the billboard: the word “midget” was removed from the left bottom corner of the sign where “Midget Wrestling” was featured as part of the entertainment lineup. It now says “Micro Wrestling,” although Rowsey says the traveling act markets itself as “Midget Wrestling” and approved the marketing material.

“That is their livelihood,” Rowsey said.

Patch spoke with Lisa Cabulagan, a 4-foot-2 little person who was born with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, to get her thoughts on the change. Cabulagan, who has guest-starred on the reality TV show “Little Women: LA” and is a longtime member of Little People of America, said she and many others do prefer “micro” over “midget.”

The latter is considered “a carnival term; it is considered to be derogatory,” she said.

Regarding the changes to his signage this year, Rowsey said he contacted officials at the California Department of Food and Agriculture and was told he can attend a hearing about the complaints.

Patch’s attempts this week to track down the complainants have not been successful. (Dixon residents wishing to comment: please email dixon@patch.com.)

Rowsey says he plans to auction off the huge image of the bikini model for charity — possibly at a Dixon May Fair event.

All photos courtesy of Troy Rowsey

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