Contestants line up in the professional full bush category at the 2023 Beerd Derby. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

BEERD VS. BEARD

More than facial hair growing at the Winter Festival Beerd Derby

Feb 21, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Once again, the best beards, mustaches and legs were on display at the 2023 Winter Festival Beerd Derby.

Just over 100 participants came to the finale and gala held at the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation on Sunday night.

Five categories made up the competition for this year: amateur and professional mustache; amateur and professional full bush; and amateur and professional miscellaneous.

This year, however, a new category was created to include the ladies in the event: the hairiest leg category.

“(It was) more or less as a joke but it was an opportunity for women to participate,” said Doug Erickson with the Winter Festival board.

Plans in place

Construction begins on permanent Humboldt Broncos memorial site

1h ago

Highlight reel Hildebrand

Raiders fall in overtime following third period comeback versus Silvertips

7h ago

Healthcare

'It's terrifying': Health-care workers sound alarm at Legislative Building

Oct 04, 2024

The winner of that category was selected by a random draw which was claimed by Randi Gyoerick.

(Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

In the amateur competition, Dave MacAuley won best mustache, Tyler Gerstaer won best full bush beard and Colin Cournane was the best in the miscellaneous category.

Meanwhile, for the professional contestants, Justin Jonasson had the best mustache, Glen Gyoerick had the best full bush beard, and Trevor Ruthven won in the miscellaneous category.

The winners of the 2023 Winter Festival Beerd Derby. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

The Beerd Derby has made quite the comeback after dwindling in numbers following the closure of the old Molsons Plant. Over the past few years though, Erickson and a group of other community members attempted to revive the traditional event.

“Our first year we had 20 some guys and then word caught on and it jumped to 60 some guys and now we’re actually just over 100 members,” Erickson said.

While the goal this year was 120, Erickson is still pleased with the turnout.

“It’s really taken off and in fact, we’re looking for a way to grow it just a little bit more,” he said. “We’ll grow a little bit again next year and just keep it going. It’s too much fun not to carry on.”

Of course, the annual event would not be possible without support from several organizations including Canadian Tire, Great Western Brewery, Lake Country Co-op, and the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock