A Celebration of Facial Hair

There are contests for pretty much everything, and we were able to attend part of a very "different" kind of contest on Friday--the beginning of the World Beard & Moustache Championships. Words almost escape me, but I'll try. Anchorage is actually very privileged to be hosting the Championships. The first one happened in 1990 in Germany, and since that time, the WBMC has only been held in the USA once previously. Anthony and I thought it sounded like an interesting and probably once in lifetime event, so we packed up the boys and headed downtown for the Beard Parade. We saw a grand assortment of some fabulous facial hair:

(Yes, I know he's waving a Canadian Flag. Beard Team Canada tried to convert him, but we switched it out for an American Flag when Beard Team USA came by.)

Willy Wonka

and Moses. Who knew they would ever be together at the same event?

The best part of the day for us was probably the worst for Will--his reaction to the Anchorage mascot, Seymour the Moose, who was sporting his own beard and moustache for the event.

At first Will just looked a little frightened:

But then he lost it.

We couldn't believe it. The boy who will run off on his own in the airport to look at giant stuffed bears and fears no one, but he can't handle a cartoon moose. I know, we're horrible parents for laughing, but it was just so baffling and out of character that it was hilarious.

We also found a guy dressed up as a garden gnome, which Anthony hates, so he had to be brave and conquer his fears too.

And this guy was my favorite. I don't know why.

We think that some of the more elaborate beards were waiting to be unveiled at the actual competition today, but we were still very impressed. If anyone wants to join in the festivities, they're streaming the online judging at http://www.worldbeardchampionships.com/. Moustache and partial beard judging is happening now (6 p.m. EST), and full beards at 11 p.m. EST. Enjoy!