Beard, mustache competition comes to Imlay City June 26th
IMLAY CITY — The countdown has begun for the inaugural “Sasquatch Uncut Beard and Mustache Encounter” to take place on Saturday, June 26 in downtown Imlay City.
The 2021 event will feature beard and mustache growth competitions in multiple categories.
Pre-registration takes place from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 25 at the corner of Third and Main streets. Or contestants may register on the day of the event.
Event coordinator Mark Byrnes said competitors also have the option of signing up in advance at www.sasquatchuncut.com.
A champion beard grower in his own right, Mark Byrnes says people with any length or style of beard or mustache are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Lots of categories
Brynes said there will be abundant opportunities for men, women and children to compete and earn trophies in various categories; and regardless of the length or style of one’s beard or mustache.
“For those who have deliberated to make a decision on categories, signup will be at Third and Main streets from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday,” Byrnes said. “The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m., followed by the start of the competition at 4 p.m.
He said a $15 donation is required to enter the competition, which includes 17 categories and trophies for the www.sasquatchuncut.com Top 3 winners, to be determined by a panel of judges.
Byrnes said that in the event of a tie vote, the winner will ultimately be decided through the process of “rock, paper and scissors.”
“But don’t be late,” Byrnes warned. “We must cut off registration right at 3 p.m. to be fair to all the contestants.”
He encouraged those who sign up on Friday to stick around and enjoy the many other activities scheduled for that evening in the downtown district.
They include the Imlay City DDA’s “Friday Night Bike Night,” along with local food and beverage establishments welcoming the “beards and bikes” throughout the evening.
“We also encourage everyone to come and hang out with the many out-of-town competitors on Friday night during our ‘summer solstice’ at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds.”
Byrnes noted that early risers on Saturday morning just might catch a glimpse of the ever-elusive “Sasquatch.”
Saturday Brunch
Also on Saturday, a “Brunch for the Hairy Bunch” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jim Schoonover’s Third & Main Event Center downtown.
“We welcome men, women and kids of all ages to come out and have a good time,” he said. “It’s free to just come and watch and enjoy the fun.
“If you are still not a believer in Sasquatch, I believe this event is sure to convince even the most skeptical.”
For more information about the event, visit www.sasquatchuncut.com. Or contact Mark Byrnes directly at 248-318-0281.
For a good cause
Funds raised from donations and registration fees will benefit the local “Rosie the Riveter WOW Chapter,” and “Six Feet Over,” an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and support for survivors.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
