SEQUIM –– Sequim, it’s time to let your — facial — hair down.
As part of the celebration of Sequim’s first century, the city’s centennial committee is lining up to judge the facial hair creations of citizens through a series of beard and mustache competitions.
“It’s not as simple as it may seem. There’s a lot of factors to consider,” said City Attorney Craig Ritchie, himself the owner of one of the city’s most famous facial follicle fronts.
“Depending on what kind of soap or shampoo or conditioner you use, the beard can take a number of different qualities.”
2 p.m. today kickoff
Judging will be part of the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Picnic at the Water Reuse Demonstration Park on Independence Day.
But the monthlong shaving strike begins at 2 p.m. today (Monday, May 27).
The kickoff for the contests will be at the Krush “ultralounge” in Rock Plaza, located at the corner of Sequim Avenue and Old Olympic Highway.
“This seemed like it would be an important part of a good, traditional centennial celebration,” said Beard and Mustache Challenge coordinator Halina D’Urso.
New growth contestants must attend today’s 2 p.m. kickoff to have their clean-shaven mugs photographed for comparison at the judging ceremony.
There are contests for those with existing beards, as well as those looking to start new beards.
Awards will go to those with the longest, fullest and most creative beards and mustaches.
What winners get
Winners will receive souvenir photographs, matted by Creative Framing of Sequim, after a free photo shoot with award-winning photographer Ernst Ulrich, matted by Creative Framing of Sequim.
Winners also will be able to pick out their favorite piece of commemorative centennial wear.
The challenge is free to enter.
Applications are available online at www.sequimwa.gov or can be picked up at the following Sequim locations:
■ Krush, 10181 Old Olympic Highway.
■ Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St.
■ Sequim Gazette, 147 W. Washington St.
■ Village Hair Salon, 645 W. Washington St.
■ Art’s Barbershop, 303 E. Washington St.
■ Islander Pizza and Pasta Shack, 380 E. Washington St.
■ The Oasis Sports Bar & Grill, 301 E. Washington St.
For more information, phone D’Urso at 360-808-4428.
________
Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Joe Smillie can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at jsmillie@peninsuladailynews.com.
