Got an award-winning beard on your hands? Then join Zeus at the Los Angeles Facial Hair Society’s 3rd Annual Beard and Moustache Competition! The competition, which hosts categories like Freestyle and Natural Beard Over a Foot, will be giving away Zeus sets as part of the goody bags for winners in each category.
This year, the competition will take place on Saturday, August 15th at the Avalon in Hollywood. Doors open at 3 PM; the competition starts at 4 PM. The price for competitors is $25, while kids are $10 and spectators are $15.
And you can still get in on the fun even if you’re a lady – one of the categories is Whiskerina, which encourages creative lady beards. You can also just come and check out all the handsome beards on show.
Zeus got the scoop behind the show with Alana Beck, one of the founding members of the LA Facial Hair Society. Read on to find out why this yearly beard and moustache competition was started, the amazing charity this competition supports, and the beards that have stood out to Beck in the last two years of competition.
(L to R): Brandon and founding member Alana Beck
Competitor Dan Lawlor from 2014
1. Who started the Los Angeles Facial Hair Society, and why?
There were 4 original founding members in 2013. Nate "Chops" Johnson and I currently remain. We wanted to create a group where people could have fun with their facial hair. We talk grooming and styling products while socializing, enjoying a drink, and making friends. Some of us also traveled quite a bit, attending other facial hair competitions. We wanted L.A. to have one of the best in the country and we work hard every year to accomplish that.
2. Your website says you donate every year to a charity. What charity will you be raising money for this year?
Dawg Squad Rescue, which is a local organization that specializes in dogs with disabilities. They also pull pups from LA shelters that are unlikely to be adopted due to health conditions, injury or behavior. They do some incredible work and we're happy to help them in any way we can. Guess we're all fools for a fuzzy face. For adoptable dogs or donations visit dawgsquad.org
3. Any moustache or beard competitors that stood out to you from previous years?
We're in our third year and I'm always amazed to see how much growth happens each competition. Returning competitors always stand out to me, even though I barely recognize them sometimes! What was once a baby beard is now competing against some of the biggest beards around.
But we have some stiff competition this year. Jeff Langum (World Champion) is competing against our 2014 Best in Show winner, Bryan Nelson, from Austin. Another is Scott Metts, whose very first competition was ours last year. He has done very well since and I've heard a few in his category say how excited - and nervous - they are to compete alongside him. I'm always curious to see who places each year, because it's always a surprise.
Bryan Nelson, one of 2014's winners
4. How does someone go about joining your group?
There are no dues or club initiation fees. We encourage any facial hair wearer or admirer to come out to one of our events. All we ask for membership is to have a good time. Updated events are at lafacialhair.com
5. Are there any other details you’d like participants to know about the event?
It's all ages this year and we have a kid's category! It was important for us to include everyone in on how much fun a beard and moustache competition is. These competitions are unforgettable and no one should miss out. We've always had a lady's category (Whiskerina) and adding the creativity and cute factor of children was a no-brainer.
For tickets and additional information go to lafacialhair.com.
Winners of the 2014 Big Beard competition
LA Facial Hair Society's 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
ADDRESS:
The Avalon Hollywood
1735 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
TIME: Doors open at 3 PM; the competition starts at 4 PM
PARKING: Valet, street, private lot
DETAILS:
Competitors - $25
Kids - $10
Spectators - $15
