Coney’s beard and mustache competition another success

Things are getting hairy at Coney.

Beards may be currently popular; however, Coney Island has embraced unique facial hair for years. And this time was no different as Coney Island U.S.A. hosted its Eighth Annual Beard and Mustache Competition on Saturday, September 5 at 1208 Surf Avenue.

For $20 each, around 75 beard and mustache fanatics showed up to measure their facial hair against their peers.

The competition included eight categories that represent Coney, such as the ‘Coney Island Curl’ — which means the best in show — and the ‘Carny Trash’ — worst in show. Winners took home the Coney Island Fez.

Adam Rinn, aka Adam RealMan, who has co-hosted and produced the event every year, deemed the friendly competition a success. “It was great,” he said. “We had people coming from everywhere. It was a huge turnout. The New Jersey and Long Island Beard and Mustache Societies were well-represented. People from Hartford even showed up.”

This year featured some new additions, including sideshow entertainment by Miss Coney Island 2015, Betty Bloomerz, as well as Serpentina and the comedy magic of ‘Uncle’ Jim Daly. The competition was co-hosted by Don Jamieson of VH1 show “That Metal Show.” “We had a hummus eating contest,” Rinn added.

The event’s venue also played an integral role throughout the evening. “The fact that it’s based out of Coney Island always adds a true sense of zaniness to it,” said Rinn. “There are a lot of competitions all over the country and this one really is a totally unique show. The awards are all Coney-themed and it’s been great.”

As the years have gone by, the event has only gotten more popular. “Most of the room was filled with spectators,” said Rinn. “This is the biggest year that we’ve had yet. Normally, we’d have 150 people. This year we completely sold out with over 200.”