Growin’ A Beard

Tree & Leaf’s ‘Grow a Beard’ Contest

This year 50 ambitious, competitive and confident gentlemen entered Tree & Leaf’s ‘Grow a Beard’ Contest with high hopes of reigning victorious when growing season came to an end, and as that deadline quickly approaches competitors are getting their measuring sticks ready.

Dustin Gilpin, Tree & Leaf owner, held the contest for the first time last year.

“We were a little skeptical of how many people would participate, but we actually had 25 contestants!” Gilpin exclaimed. “This year, the competition has doubled with 50 total competitors.”

Although it was Gilpin that launched the contest, I was not his first time to be involved in a beard growing competition.

“I was inspired to host a beard growing contest after being involved in one on OSU’s campus during my junior year of college,” Gilpin said. “The contest didn’t have any official backing and was hosted by a random group of people on campus. I had never heard of a contest like it and after leaving OSU, I never saw another competition like it locally in OKC. We decided to host our own Beard Growing Competition last year and just advertise through social media to recruit competitors.”

The rules for the competition are simple (see above) and based on more than just who has the most best, most biggest, most badass beard.

“This isn’t just a beard competition, but a beard ‘growing’ competition. Competitors must be clean shaven at the beginning of the event (Sept. 5th) and last until the end of the competition (Oct. 31st),” Gilpin explained. “The contestants submit photos weekly of their beard progress and at the end of the competition we award 4 categories prizes; Fullest Beard, Best Mustache, People’s Champ, and Beard Fail.”

Each of the four winning categories: Fullest Beard, Best Mustache, People’s Champ, and Beard Fail will be voted on.

“The judging is held online after the final photos are submitted. An online poll for each category is released and the results are revealed at our awards ceremony,” Gilpin said.

Awards and Prizes have been made possible via the 14 sponsors for the event; Fowler VW, Group Fly, The Society, Plan-It Landscape, Carwin’s Shave Shop, Deluxe, The Plaza District, Collected Thread, Blue Seven, No Regrets Tattoo, Shop Good, Keep It Local, DNA Galleries, and of course Tree & Leaf.

“One person from each category wins a gift box with prizes from each sponsor,” Gilpin explained. “Along with the four main winners, each contestant leaves with a screen-printed event poster and small prize pack.”

So where is this shindig taking place you ask? The Mule on Nov. 3rd from 8-10pm! Where else?

“The final award ceremony at The Mule is basically a meet and greet,” Gilpin said. “The contestants submit photos online for 2 months but never get to meet each other. By hosting the event in person, everyone can finally hang out and officially meet the competition. The Mule is owned by great friends of Tree & Leaf and they asked to be the host the event this year. You can expect most of the competitors from the competition along with friends and family. Anyone is welcome to attend the party and watch the festivities!”

So check out 2 months of beard growth on the Tree & Leaf website, vote for your favorites and then stop by the Mule this Saturday and meet the contestants, enjoy a beer and see who takes home bragging rights.