Following our return from Nationals in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, we got a nice write-up on Richmond.com: Beardos: Follicles of the James 'Stache & Beard League.

A few times each year we will take the time out to honor those people, either near or far, public or private, whose actions and contributions while sporting fine facial hair have made them worthy of acclaim. Someone who has been an outstanding facial hair representative to the voluntarily (or involuntarily) clean-shaven.

We hereby award The Follicles of the James ‘Stache & Beard League MVF (Most Valuable Follicles) Award and honorary league membership to legendary Hollywood filmmaker, Steven Spielberg.


Our inaugural recipient is a man involved as director or producer with the cultural touchstones of Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., the first three Indiana Jones, the Back to the Futures, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, and of course, Animaniacs.

His beard is among the most famous in Hollywood, rivaling that of George Lucas’ in its longevity. It’s safe to say that Mr. Spielberg’s beard has lasted longer than some of the careers of the people he's directed.

The lead-up to the filming of Lincoln (a.k.a. "Office Seekers") in Richmond and Petersburg this October and November has so-far to be a social and economic boon to the region, to say nothing of raising the profile of Richmond and, of course, its proudly bearded citizens and our former bearded presidents.

We hereby salute you and your beard, Mr. Spielberg. Our childhoods and lives would be a much less imaginative place without the two of you.

The members of The Follicles of the James ‘Stache & Beard League
Richmond, Virginia

Phil Olsen published these details a while back, but here they are for reference.

Registration is now open for the Second Annual Beard Team USA National Beard and Moustache Championships, taking place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on October 8, 2011, where the best facial hair in America will win $5000 in cash prizes! Contestant registration is $40. Just go to http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/register/ to register.

Tickets for spectators are $10 and are available at the website for Clipper Magazine Stadium here: http://lb1.glitnirticketing.com/lbticket/web/stadiumg.php?event_id=231&status_id=2

If you are not competing, and you'd still like to come along on one of the activities, you can sign up here: http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/activities/

Brewery Tour on Friday

 We have also added a new special event for Championship Weekend. Those not going to Amish Camp can join other members of Beard Team USA and their fans on Friday afternoon for an excursion to two award-winning Lancaster County breweries (yes, beer tasting!) and a tour of Amish farmland, where they will have the chance to learn all about the history and lifestyle of the Amish people. The cost of the excursion is $50. Those on the excursion who are attending the Meet-the-Amish Dinner on Friday evening will be dropped off at the dinner and then brought back to Lancaster after dinner by bus. Those not attending the Meet-the-Amish Dinner will be dropped off in Lancaster at about 5 pm. You can sign up for the brewery tour when you register for the championships. If you are not competing or coming with a competitor but want to go on the brewery tour, you can sign up here: http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/activities/

Lodging

The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, located directly in the center of Lancaster and about a mile from the competition venue, has now been designated the official host hotel for the championships. The Marriott is offering us rooms for $129 per night. Another excellent option is the Lancaster Arts Hotel, located directly across the street from Clipper Magazine Stadium where the championships will take place.

There are several lodging other options in all price ranges as well. Book your accommodations here: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=3414050

Schedule for Championship Weekend

Thursday, October 6, 3 pm: Amish Camp starts at the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn, near Strasburg, Pennsylvania, about six miles from Lancaster. Be Amish for 24 hours. No cell phones, no electricity, wear Amish clothes, eat Amish food, work on an Amish farm. Details and registration info here: http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/activities/amish-camp/

Friday, October 7, 1 pm: Brewery excursion departs from the Lancaster Marriot at Penn Square. Sign up when you register for the contest. Details here: http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/activities/brewery-tour/

Friday, October 7, 5 pm: Meet-the-Amish Dinner. Cost: $29. Includes all taxes and tips. Register when you register for the contest. Details here: http://beardteamusa.org/nationals/activities/amish-dinner/

Friday, October 7, 10 pm: Whiskerinas First National Ladies Beard and Moustache Competition, Chameleon Club, 223 North Water St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This is a short walk from the Marriot and a bit longer walk from the Arts Hotel. Competitors: $25. Spectators: $10. See http://thewhiskerinas.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, October 8: Beard parade leaves the Marriot at High Noon. Second Annual Beard Team USA National Beard and Moustache Championships begins at 1 pm , at Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Sunday, October 9, 11 am: Beard Team USA Annual Meeting and Picnic. Location to be announced.

We're having our first meetup of the FOTJ on Monday, August 1st at Bandito's Burrito Lounge starting at 7:00 PM.

Once the introductions are done, drinks and food are ordered, and we'll figure out how often we want to meet, what we want to do, and the best way to stay updated, and take it from there.