CONWAY — It’s that time of year again, when residents and out-of-towners alike compete to see who can grow the best beard over the course of exactly one year.
This contest also happens to be a fundraiser for the town’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Check-in and registration happens today at 6 p.m. at the Conway fire station on Route 116. Anyone who wants to enter must arrive at check-in clean shaven, and bring an entry fee of $25. The beard-growing contest is open to everyone, not just town residents, and will be judged in exactly one year: on June 18, 2017.
“The beard contest ran back in 1967, for the bicentennial, so we’re running it again for the 250th,” said Michelle Harris, who is on the 250th celebration committee, “just to carry on the celebration of the incorporation of Conway.”
Next year, the town will celebrate 250 years in existence.
Contestants’ beards will be judged in categories such as longest, most creative, most original, best era, and father and son. Volume, density styling and configuration are among many other details that will be taken into account. Harris said prizes for the contest haven’t been determined yet.
Contestants who can’t make it to registration on Saturday can enter late, but Harris said ultimately contest officials have the final say whether it’s too late or not to enter. Any questions about late entry should be directed to Harris at 413-522-7374.
You can reach Andy Castillo at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo