Let it all grow: Whiskerino contest set for this Saturday, Oct. 18

Petaluma’s ode to facial hair is back. The 56th annual Bill Soberanes Petaluma Whiskerino contest starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St.

Hairy contestants will be judged in a number of categories: timed growth, business beard, peach fuzz, sideburns, freestyle, beard, goatee and mustache. Ladies may also model their best facial hair in the Whiskerina category.

New this year is the addition of a children’s category, where kids are encouraged to show off their best fake mustache and/or beard.

In addition to the follicle fun, there will be live music by the Dixie Giants.

The quirky contest is a tribute to peopleologist and former Argus-Courier columnist Bill Soberanes, who started the Whiskerino at the annual Old Adobe Fiesta as part of the Petaluma Centennial Celebration activities in 1958. Soberanes was one of the directors for the Petaluma Centennial Celebration Corporation and a member of the Brothers of the Brush Committee.

The Petaluma Whiskerino Contest was revived by the Argus-Courier in 2003 and held in Walnut Park in conjunction with the Petaluma Farmers Market. It continues to this day under the leadership of Fred and Melissa Abercrombie.

For more information and to enter the contest, visit facebook.com/peta lumawhiskerino.