Pirates and Facial Hair Team up for Portland's First Beard Competition

Stumptown Stash and Bear Collective Justin Cate and World Mustache Champion Keith Haubrich showing off their facial follicles at the 2009 World Beard and Moustache Championship in Anchorage, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Justin Cate.

Fluff up that full beard, shine up those sideburns, clip those whiskers and trim that chinstrap—it's time to put that facial fuzz in the spotlight. Stumptown Stash and Beard Collective, Portland's fledgling chapter of Beard Team USA, is teaming up with PDXYAR to bring to bring Portland its first-ever beard competition at the Portland Pirate Festival.

The categories are full beard, mustache, chops or partial beard and freestyle (where women, children and the otherwise facially follically challenged can get creative with props, maybe even knitting a yarn mustache). Two-time reigning World Mustache Champion Keith Haubrich and Beard Team USA President Phil Olsen will be present to judge. They'll be looking at shape, fullness, shiny-ness, grooming, creativity and showmanship.

GO: The competition will be held during the Portland Pirate Festival at Cathedral Park, N Edison St & Pittsburg Ave. under the St. Johns Bridge. 1:30- 7:30 pm Saturday, Sept. 18. $12 advance, $15 door, $6 advance, $8 gate for kids 3-12, kids 2 and under free.