Buddies bond at facial hair contest

BREMERTON, Wash., July 6 (UPI) -- Competitors from around the world gathered to model their facial hair at the North American Beard and Mustache Championship in Bremerton, Wash.

It seemed the main reason competitors traveled to Bremerton from as far as Sweden and England Saturday was to have fun with friends and show off their beards and mustaches, The Seattle Times reported.

"The best thing about all of this is just it's kind of an excuse to get together with your buddies that have facial hair," said Bruce Roe, the president of The Whisker Club in Bremerton and organizer of the contest.

Roe said he started participating in facial hair competitions after a Norwegian man complimented him on his facial hair at a 1996 wedding party.

At least 35 people took part in the contest. Organizers said proceeds went to Benedict House, a men's homeless shelter, and the Washington Veterans Home at Retsil, both in Kitsap County, Wash.

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