It could come down to a millimetre.
A handful of hardy local blokes have spent the past eight weeks employing every tactic available — mostly hydration, by the sounds of it — in their efforts to grow the most impressive facial hair by next week.
They’ll come under the judges’ microscope at Arrow-town’s The Fork and Tap from about 5pm on Wednesday, when one will be crowned the winner of this year’s Arrow-town Autumn Festival Beard-Growing Competition.
It’s one of the first events for this year’s festival, and one of several dusted off from years gone by to mark the 40th anniversary of the community-run, volunteer-led event.
Starting a day earlier than usual, the festival will be officially opened at Buckingham Green at noon on Wednesday, with other highlights of the day including the Dishery Dash, from 3pm till 4pm, during which adult teams of four will make their way down Buckingham St to Butlers Green, while completing a series of challenges, vying for bragging rights and a trophy.
The hairy showdown follows — competitors are battling it out for longest beard, most creative, people’s choice and best moustache — while simultaneously the 40th anniversary fireworks and street party will get under way at Wilcox Green.
The free community event will include family-friendly entertainment, such as the Flame fairies and fire dancers, food trucks and festival favourites, while the fireworks display, courtesy of Bill Falcone, will happen some time after 7pm.
The Autumn Fest continues till next Sunday — see next week’s Mountain Scene for more info.
