World Beard and Mustache Championships

Bavarian Beard
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
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.
Here, a competitor from Bavaria shows off wallet photos that document his progress from a clean-shaven
youth to today's woolly warrior.

Mustache Walking Staff
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
An Italian competitor's custom-made walking staff echoes his look—"natural mustache."

Natural Mustache Contest
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Hopefuls in the Natural Mustache category prepare for their event, one of 18 in the weeklong competition.

Competitors
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Committed competitors turn facial hair into works of art.

Team Belgium
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Team Belgium makes a showing in the championships' opening ceremony and parade in downtown Anchorage.

Baby 'Stache
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A young spectator gets into the swing of things at the 2009 World Beard and Mustache Championships.

Dalí Mustache
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A mustache tie and an array of lapel pins distinguish Germany's Lutz Giese, a competitor in the Dalí Mustache category.

Strong Man
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
In the role of old-timey weight lifter, a mustache competitor lifts his barbell at the opening ceremony of the championships.