Award-Worthy Whiskers Win Titles in Iowa State Fair Contest

August 16, 2017

Men from across the state entered their prized whiskers in the Beard Growing contest held Tuesday at the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Longest Beard

1) Harold Stephenson, 60, Center Point

2) Dale Hornsby, 51, Des Moines

3) Don Larkin, 56, Newton

Best Groomed Beard

1) Gary R. Miller, 69, Pleasantville

2) Adam Johnson, 33, Dyersville  

3) Justin Higgins, 33, Iowa City   

Most Unique Beard Design

1) Adam Johnson, 33, Dyersville 

2 Tie) Frank Viola, 47, Des Moines

2 Tie) Dakota Rundlett, 26, Vinton

3) Kevin Thomas, 59, Menlo

Most Historic Beard

1) Bob Hyland, 93, Des Moines   

2) Kevin Thomas, 59, Menlo

3) Doug Johnson, 62, Des Moines  

Best Beard Design with Costume

1) Parker Gibson, 35, Waukee

2) Harold Stephenson, 60, Center Point

3) Frank Gale, 72, Creston

The contest was part of “Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions” in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30^th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa’s greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. “Nothing Compares” to State Fair Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.