What better way to spend a Somervillian Sunday afternoon than admiring some wacky mustaches?
This Sunday, the Somerville Art Council will be hosting BeardFest 2014 in honor of facial hair artistry. Competitors will gather at the Center for Arts at the Armory to compete in different categories to see which beard brings home the gold.
Bert Mayer, the founder of the Boston Beard Bureau, said this is the fourth year Somerville has hosted the event. He’s noticed that people in the Greater Boston area have grown quite fond of letting beards roam wild and free.
“I think the Red Sox have a lot to do with [beard approval] this year,” Mayer said. “Plus, I think the popularity of beard competitions in general has picked up a lot.”
The Somerville Art Council has once again divided the competition into five categories: natural full beard, free-style full beard, free-style mustache, free-style partial beard, (which includes goatees, sideburns and any other creative combination of the above), and best fake beard.
Mayer said that even though the actual beard growing may be predominantly left to men, women make up just as much of the beard growing community. He said that it’s not about whether or not someone can actually grow a beard, but rather supporting everyone in the community who chooses to do so.
“A lot of women are involved, too,” Mayer said. “They get behind guys who do it, and they also compete in the fake beard competitions. It’s about camaraderie and about having a good time.”
In addition to the competition, there will be food and drink, as well as music proved by DJ Pace. There will also be a make-your-own beard table, giving everyone the opportunity to participate in beard culture.
Mayer said that it’s a great day of family fun and that everyone should check it out. He said it’s a unique experience that will put everyone in good spirits before the big game.
“It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a lot of people coming together for a really weird reason,” Mayer said. “It’s during the day, you can bring your kids, and it’s a good way to warm up for Super Bowl that night.”
BeardFest 2014 will take place on Sunday, February 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Center for Arts at the Armory. General admission and/or registration is $5. For more information, visit the event’s website.