World Beard and Mustache Championships

In 2009, the American Festivals Project headed to the World Beard and Mustache Championships in Anchorage, Alaska. Every other year, the weeklong event draws young and old hirsute competitors from around the world, vying for awards in arenas such as Sideburns/Muttonchops, Full Natural Beard, and Dalí Mustache. The contest began in Germany two decades ago and has since been held in the U.S. and countries across Europe. The current champions: Americans, with 12 medals and a best in show win in Anchorage.

Read more about the World Beard and Mustache Championships on the American Festivals Project blog.