While Ron Sundquist's combination of shorts and long underwear is a travesty among men's clothing, it's not a regular combination for the Moorhead man -- just an unfortunate photo opportunity.
But his crazy costumes are reason enough for the fashion police to come knocking on his door, says daughter Keli Sundquist.
For parties, 52-year-old Ron will dress up as Elvis or Ole, a singing Norwegian.
"He always is dressing up in these costumes," Keli says. "He just loves to make people laugh and enjoy life."
These two style slip-ups were more than enough for Ron to win The Forum's fashion faux pas contest for Father's Day. He receives a $20 gift certificate to Halberstadt's Men's Clothiers in Fargo.
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Ron first started imitating Elvis more than 10 years ago, when a friend wanted to surprise her husband with an impersonator but didn't want to pay $90 for a professional.
"I don't even do that good of an Elvis," Ron says. "It's the young Elvis."
He has a mullet-style wig, "to cover up his bald head," Keli says, and sunglasses with sideburns attached.
Keli says her dad writes funny lyrics to sing along with tunes like "Hound Dog" for anniversary and birthday parties.
He also made a surprise appearance at her first boy/girl party when she was 13. Ron, a counselor at Valley Christian Counseling Service and a maintenance worker for Stop-N-Go, wore a foam costume shaped like a gas pump.
"She was a little bit mad about that," says Ron, adding that he was just trying to liven up the party a little.
Ron was surprised by the fashion faux pas nomination, but says 21-year-old Keli, who is getting married in July, loves to enter contests.
"She's got a wedding coming up, so maybe I'll get back at her," Ron says.
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Keli's not sure what her dad will do at the reception. He never ceases to amaze her, she says. And there isn't anything he wouldn't do for his three children.
"He's a great, great dad," Keli says. "He's a card. We love him."
Readers can reach Forum reporter
Sherri Richards at (701) 241-5525
