Beard-A-Reno Contest to officially open Elks Rodeo

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The festivities for the 80th Annual Elks Rodeo will kick off with the time-honored tradition of the Beard-A-Reno Contest. According to this year’s Chairman, Chuck Biely, entrants may enter the contest at the Elks Rodeo Office, at 2325 Skyway Drive, Suite H in Santa Maria starting Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. through April 7 at 5 p.m. All category winners will be awarded at the official dinner on May 20 starting at 4:30 p.m.

A custom-made silver belt buckle will be awarded to the winners of the 7 ‘whisker’ growing categories, including longest beard, blackest beard, whitest beard, reddest beard, best mustache, best attempt and best all-around.

• All beard-growing entrants must be 21 years of age or older.

• All beard-growing entrants must be clean-shaven at the time of registration. Mustaches are exempt and do not need to be shaved.

• Registration fee for all entrants is $30 and includes a BBQ beef rib dinner, beans, salad, and entertainment.

• All persons will be required to show a valid ID at the entrance. General public tickets for the Beard-A-Reno dinner will also go on sale on Feb. 20. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.elksrec. com. It is recommended to get tickets early as the event usually sells out quickly. For more information call the Elks Recreation Office at 805-9254125 or visit https://www.elksrec. com/.