Local salon prepares to enter Iowa State Fair beard contest

Eight years ago, Don Larkin’s childhood dream of winning a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair came true — he had the longest beard of all the contests in the beard growing contest.

Six years ago, he entered again with the help of E-Clips salon owners Lori McNew and Terri Sieler, and together they transformed his beard into an ear of corn. Since then, the E-Clips owners along with barber Jason Webster have created a team that brings home Iowa State Fair ribbons every year.

“When we first started, hardly anyone got involved, and nobody ever did anything unique but [the beard contest] has gotten a lot more popular,” McNew said. “It’s exciting to see how many people get involved every year.”

The Beard Growing Contest is held annually in Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where beard-growers and trimmers can compete in different categories including best groomed, longest beard, most unique beard design, most historic nature and best beard design with costume.

On Tuesday, E-Clips salon will be helping three contestants groom their beards: veteran beard-grower Don Larkin in the costume contest, and two other men in the best-groomed category.

“I was interested in [the beard contest] too because I’m creative and my ideas will just flow,” barber Jason Webster said. “I’ve just asked clients with nice beards ‘hey you wanna enter a beard contest and drink beer all day?’ And they say yeah.”

Webster said each year as the fair ends, they start thinking of ideas for the next contest.

From an ear of corn to an ice cream cone, Don Larkin has had unique beards over the years. This contest, they plan to create either a “‘Beer’d Tent” similar to the Budweiser tent at the fair, or the Olympic Rings.

“Don is just the funniest guy ever, like a little kid,” McNew said. “He gets really excited and said he always wanted to have his picture taken with the state fair queen. We’ve all been involved because we adore him.”

Larkin has won several first and second place ribbons. McNew said Larkin often becomes a celebrity at the fair because of his beard.

“The designs are noticeable and as I walk through the fair there are people who want to take pictures with me,” Larkin said. “When I won the corn beard I’d never had so many pictures taken in one day before that or since then.”

Larkin also said he usually gives his blue ribbons to his grandkids as he has no use for them and the kids love them. Contestant winners also receive gift cards and in the past, beard grooming kits.

“I love the fair, I’ve been going as long as I can remember,” Larkin said. “It’s just such good, clean family fun at the fair. I would encourage everyone to enter a contest at the fair — there’s nothing like it.”

The 2016 beard contest will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Pioneer Hall.

Contact Savannah Eadens at newsroom@newtondailynews.com