Don’t Be Afraid To Be You: Queen City Beard & Moustache Federation

by Joshua Heston

SPRINGFIELD, MO — “Everyone is welcome in the beardo family,” explains Bill Petersen, a huge bear of a man with a round, full beard. He is also president of the Queen City Beard & Moustache Federation.

The non-profit began in 2009 as the brainchild of Curtis and Christy Claybaker, Joe Livingston and “profound beard and moustache competitor” Devin Carra. The first year about $300 was raised. “It was just a little competition but it has grown progressively since,” says Petersen.

In 2017, the Federation raised over $15,000 for the Diaper Banks of the Ozarks. Past recipients have included Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary, Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield Community Gardens, Gathering Friends for the Homeless, Rare Breed, and Adopt-a-Street with the City of Springfield. Through the generosity of these civic-minded bearded men, over $70,000 has been given away in just under a decade.

“We’re community based,” furthers Petersen. “We like helping out everybody.”

The 2018 competition — benefiting FosterAdopt.connect — takes place 2-10PM, May 5, at the 319 Downtown Event Center on Walnut Street.

“It’s Cinco de Mayo,” continues Petersen. “We have 13 different categories. The doors open at 2PM. The entry fee is $20.” Non-competing attendees are $8.

What is a beard competition like?

“You’re going to experience a lot of facial hair!” laughs Petersen. “All of us are very open and friendly. I’m a big hugger so you’ll probably get a hug from me.”

The Springfield event is family friendly although a spirit of sometimes raucous, male-oriented exhibitionism is an integral part of the larger community.

“It’s a male beauty pagaent,” laughs the decidedly non-bearded Shannon Medley, Federation treasurer. A number of women wholeheartedly support the event. Many participate in the Fake Division in which “anything goes. Whatever you can create to look like a beard or moustache and manage to keep on your face will be accepted.”

“I used to be quiet,” admits Petersen. “And calm. I’m a big guy. I weigh over 300 pounds and I will wear a speedo on stage. I’m not scared.”

Mark Beneda of Omaha, NE, and past Springfield competitor, explains his exhibitionism. “The trophy could be there. Or not. It’s all about the charity. Sometimes you gotta be wild and crazy to raise more money for good causes!”

Perhaps it is one of Petersen’s recent social media posts that sums up the spirit of the Federation. In the competition photo, he is dressed only in a shiny speedo, furry rainbow boots, and equally furry pink-and-yellow ears.

“Some may see a fat man,” he says. “I see a person who is not ashamed to show off his body. That [message] goes out to all people who are hiding. Don’t be afraid to be you.”