It’s been a long time since June 1949 when Tooele City father’s declared June 1 through July 17 as beard growing season in Tooele City, but Black Cat Barber Company and owner Kevin Clement are bringing out the Third Edition of their Iron Beard Competition in November 2024.

Their contest is designed for “badass beards and staches.” The showdown begins at noon on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 5373 N. Oswego Road in Erda.

The contest features one category for mustaches—”Just wear it like a sir”—and four categories for beards—short beards of 1-3 inches long, mild length beards of 3-6 inches in length, long beards of more than six inches long, and the Iron Beard, or “The Boss Beard.”

But length is not enough for an iron beard. Judges will be looking for fullness, length, thickness, and shape.

Judging this year will be “the Council of Jakes,” consisting of Jacob Wassily, returning two-time judge Jacob Porter, and two-time long beard champion Jake Christenson.

Contestants can register from Nov. 8-16 at the Black Cat Barber Shop at 1196 N. Main Street in Tooele City or at the event site one hour before the start of the competition.

The competition fee is $20, and there is a $5 spectator fee.

“This year, we’re not just celebrating facial hair; we’re championing change,” Clement said.

Clement and BlackCat Barber Co. have teamed up with Switchpoint Homeless Shelter. Every dollar of entry fees and spectator fees will go directly to Switchpoint to “directly aid those navigating tough times,” said Clement.

Clement offers three reasons why bearded folk should participate and their friends should come to spectate: to celebrate diversity, from handlebars to goatees, every style tells a story; for community spirit, connect with fellow beard enthusiasts and locals; and to make an impact, your participation turns beards into benefits for the community.

“Let’s come together for a day of facial hair festivities, where each whisker wields the power to change lives,” Clement said. “Let’s come together for a day of facial hair festivities, where each whisker wields the power to change lives.”

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