Perhaps it’s because my father has been rocking a Magnum P.I. mustache for 30 years, perhaps it’s because I was an adolescent in the 90’s when goatees controlled the world, or perhaps it’s because I live in Portland, but I am fascinated with facial hair. It can be scruffy and sexy, wild and weird, pencil thin and dastardly looking, the list goes on and on. My sense of wonder for the furry face is about to go into overdrive with this weekends 2011 West Coast Beard & Mustache Championships. Yes, you read that correctly. The sure to be fun event is happening this Sunday at the Crystal Ballroom. It’s an all ages event so bring the kids down and show them what Dad could do if he would just put down the razor. There is a variety of categories, including:

Natural Mustache: Mustache as it grows naturally, the more natural the better!!! No closed curls. Only those hairs growing from within 1.5cm past the end of the upper lip may be grown out. The mustache may be shaped but without aids. No aids allowed.

Freestyle Mustache: Free design and styling of the mustache. Only those hairs growing from within 1.5cm past the end of the upper lip may be grown out. Aids allowed.

Partial Beard: Any facial hair that is neither a full beard, nor a mustache by regulation. Aids allowed.

Natural Full Beard: Full beard as it grows and left natural, the more natural the better. The mustache may not be highlighted, and the beard may not be turned under at the bottom. No aids allowed.

Natural Full Beard with Styled Mustache: Mustache – Prominent and consisting only of hairs growing from within 1.5cm past the end of the upper lip. Aids allowed. Beard – As it grows naturally, the more natural the better. No aids allowed.

Freestyle Beard: Free design and styling of the beard. All full beards that do not qualify for other categories may compete here. Any man (or woman) made beard is allowed, with any and all foreign objects allowed for placement in or on the beard. Aids allowed.

Legal aids shall include only wax, hair spray, and other hair cosmetics. The use of hair extensions, false facial hair, or any form of hair pins is prohibited.
*These restrictions do not apply to the Freestyle Beard category, where any man, woman, or child may compete with any type of "fake" or man-made Beard. Competitors will be allowed use of any "props", or any foreign materials in this category.

Got all that? Good. Because there is still time for you to pressure a friend into being a competitor! Submissions are still open and all you need to do is fill out a competitor registration form and pay for the $20 competitor ticket. Chance of a lifetime, plus you can win yourself a custom trophy plus some sweet local swag bags.

What: 2011 West Coast Beard & Mustache Championships
When: Sunday, January 23rd Doors @ 3:30, Show @ 4pm
For spectator tickets: purchase here
For more info: Stumptown Stache & Beard Collective