The Donegal Beard growing contest begins on December 31st when all the contestants are clean shaven.

This can be done free of charge from 11:00am-1:00pm at:
Sportsman’s Barber Shop
310 State Street
Watertown, NY
or
by providing a picture of a clean shave along with proof of the date via online registration here beginning on December 31st.

Judging takes place Friday night at the Irish Festival beginning at 7 pm. Men are judged on color of beard, length, fullness, texture and if it is a true Donegal. The best beard will be crowned "King of Beards". There are also awards for most colorful, best accessorized (dress the part and win a prize), a senior division, 18 & under and everyone's favorite People’s Choice.

Categories to be judged are:

King of Beards
People's Choice (the winner is selected at the Donegal by the attendees of the Irish Festival)
Most Colorful (the best decorated beard)
Best Accessorized (the best costume, jewelry or theme of some type)
Senior Division (a category just for our older competitiors)
Under Division (for our competitors 18 and under)

"King of Beards" Winners"

2023 - Dustin Cooley
2020 - David Grandjean
2019 - Dillon Schorr
2018 - Frank Flack
2017 - John Ellsworth
2016 - Bob Mevec
2015 - Keith Caughlin
2014 - Chris Dandrow
2013 - Al Wood
2012 - Al Franke
2011 - Steve Hunt II