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Contestants (from left) Daniel Wilson, Robby Burger and Bill Peterson wait to be judged at the June 27 competition.

Judged for the hairs of their chinny chin chin
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: July 09, 2015

By Chris Strunk

Beeswax and coconut oil. That's Jaime Fulkerson's secret to getting his handlebar mustache to behave the way he wants it to.

It worked. Fulkerson won the mustache category of the first Midwest Facial Hair Showdown June 27 at Le Venue in downtown Valley Center. The event was hosted by the local Bearded Monkey Social Club and was a fundraiser for Heartspring of Wichita.

"This is about helping kids I'll never meet, kids from 1 to 21 with special needs," said Omar Shifrin of Valley Center, president of the Bearded Monkey Social Club. "I will never know the effect that it will have on the families. And we just try to do what we can for them."

Shifrin said he plans to make the showdown an annual event.

"I think it went really well. There were a lot more people than I thought would turn out, honestly," he said. "…I hope it helps. I tried my hardest to do what I can for it and I appreciate everybody who helped and competed. I hope to make it bigger and better next year."

The showdown drew 27 competitors and several spectators. It included seven competition categories and a silent auction.

Members of facial hair social clubs from Springfield, Mo., and Salina as well as individuals from as far away as Olathe and Oklahoma competed.

"We're here for a good cause," said Robby Burger of the Smoky Hill Beard and Mustache Club in Salina.

Bill Peterson of the Queen City Beard and Mustache Federation in Springfield, Mo., won best in show.

Rod Yerkes of Olathe won fore full beard under 8 inches.

"I honestly did not think I would place," Yerkes said. "I was surprised."

Yerkes, his wife and their two sons were on their way home from a vacation in Branson, Mo., when they decided to stop in Valley Center for the competition.

"I can't thank (the competitors) enough for making the trip. It makes me want to go out and compete with them more," Shifrin said.

Andrew Bruso, president and founder of the Wichita Beard and Mustache Club won for best beard, 8 inches and longer.

"It's exciting to win," he said. "It's a good time."

Bruso said he was impressed by the Bearded Monkey's first competition.

"It was really good," he said. "There were a decent amount of contestants and decent crowds."

Joe Niblett and Annika Wooton, who is Miss Greater Wichita, emceed the event.

Shifrin said next year's competition will be June 25. Time and place have yet to be determined.





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