For the first time ever, Ohio will be having a beard convention called Beard Con. This event will be held Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Columbus Convention Center.
Facial hair has grown into quite a sport. There has been free mustaches on bulletin boards, men growing their own and women creating their own.
The event costs $10 for spectators and competitors. Tussing also mentioned there will be a pre-party and a post-party, more information about these events can be found on Beard Team Ohio’s Facebook.
Tussing has been acquainted with the facial hair competition world. “I’ve been a member of Gem City Gilded Beard Program for almost a year, helped with COSI Beard Event [Second Ohio Charity Beard and Mustache Competition], been working behind the scenes a lot. In preparing for the event I travel to other competitors, such as Philadelphia and Michigan. There is a community of people with beards. I reach out to them first. I spread the word by traveling,” Tussing said
He and Tess Jefferies, Graduate Student and participant, said that BeardCon will be broadcasted on radio stations including WWSU 106.9, 1025 in Columbus, Kaleidoscope 91.3 WSO and has been given the opportunity to speak with Fox 45 and channel 2 news about the event.
According to Tussing his favorite part of the event is the comradery that comes with it. He enjoys hanging out with all the contestants after the competition.
“I only get to see them every two to three months, it feels like a family reunion. Winning is the best part for some people, but I enjoy making friends,” Tussing said. He went further to explain, “With beardcon you’ll never see anybody like this, you’ll do nothing but have fun. When I went to COSI it was over 600 people, it was insane and ridiculous. At the very least be a spectator.” Jefferies added, “When you go to one you can’t stop.”
According to beardteamohio.com, this event is a benefit to help the Central Men Against Prostate Cancer Organization.The categories of competition include: Kid’s Beard (have to 10 or under), Realistic Beard, Natural Mustache, Styled Moustache, Natural partial Beard, Styled partial Beard, Groomed Beard, natural Full beard, Styled Full beard, Best Costume and Best Team. Tussing also mentioned that there will be a booth where people can make their own beards.
There will be vendors on the scene including Bluebeards oringal, Jenulence, soapboxGypsy, Honest Amish and the list continues. There will be discussion and seminars and 28 facial hair clubs all over the region competing for Bearded Hair glory. For more information about this event and to register go to www.beardteamohio.com, www.beardcon.net/org or visit their Facebook page.
