LAKE HAVASU CITY — For those who have memorable facial hair or, just wild creativity skills, this will be the perfect week to enter the London Bridge Beard and Mustache competition. This year’s event will mark a 54th year anniversary of bristly styles.
The residents of 1970s Lake Havasu were always seeking ways to create free community amusement.
When the London Bridge was rebuilt and brought to Havasu in October of 1971, businesses of the town were inspired to create London Bridge Days.
Festivities since then have enriched the entire month of October. Each autumn it’s all about events and competitions like the beard and mustache challenges.
This month, local businesses Lake Havasu boat Patrol and Britton’s Auto Truck and RV Repair, have teamed up to organize this special day. With both men and women eligible to compete, 11 categories will be in store such as: Mustache, mustache freestyle, partial beard free style, full beard length 0-‘4″, full beard length 4-8″, full beard length 8-12,” full length over 12’, and “full beard freestyle,
Lets not forget the dual whiskerina women’s choices with options of whiskerina creative or whiskirina realistic.
Competitors will place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd within all 11 categories. The lucky winner of 1st place will win their name marked in stone under the London Bridge along with a sunset cruise on the Dixie Bell.
Fees to participate in the event are just $35.00 and late signups fees will be accepted on the day of the event at $45.00.
Anyone interested in showing off their winning beards can register by visiting Registration Form – LBBMC.
Rather than compete, if you’re just one wanting to take in all the excitement, admission for spectators is free. Attendees can enjoy live DJ music, food drink vendors, and a special performance from celebrity pyrotechnic Antonio Restivo will be taking to the stage. Restivo holds the Guinness book world record for blowing twenty-six feet of flame.
The London Bridge Beard and Mustache Competition will celebrate its 54th anniversary this Saturday October 18 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. under the London Bridge located at 422 English Village Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
With the abundant history behind the occasion, Mayor Cal Sheehy will be making an appearance to give the annual event a proclamation. Additionally, all proceeds will go to the Lake Havasu Freedom Foundation and educational nonprofit, Kids on the Colorado River.
Havasu’s freedom foundation prides itself on honoring veterans along the Bridgewater Channel and kids on the Colorado educates youth on the magic of the historic river. Program Director of Kids on the Colorado Dan Delasantos stated that the competition’s 54th’s anniversary holds double meanings in his heart.
“As a Havasu native, it was a lot of fun seeing my dad win this contest five years in a row. It’s also great to know that because of this event, an even larger number of kids will be able to learn about the Colorado River.”
The annual contest has already made much history and Delasantos has high hopes for what the competitions could become for the future generations of Lake Havasu.
“I would really like to see Lake Havasu becoming the map for the national beard and mustache contests. With the growing popularity of it, I can see it happening,” Delasantos said.
