'Beastly beard’: Donegal Township animal park hosting facial hair competition

Those who are itching to show off their facial hair have the chance to do so at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park.

On Aug. 4, the family-owned zoo will host a “Beastly Beard” competition from 4-6 p.m. at the Donegal Township park to benefit UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Twenty men will compete for title of “beastly beard.” Participants will vote for the best beard with donations, and the top three beards will receive prize packs of beard-related merchandise and gift cards.

Additionally, first prize will win an autographed jersey from former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end and beard enthusiast Brett Keisel, who will make an appearance at the event.

The Fan 93.7 FM host Joe Starkey also will attend.

Matthew Dumbauld, one of Living Treasures’ owners, said he came up with the idea for the competition while growing his own beard. There are two reasons Dumbauld is excited for the competition.

“One, I love beards,” he said, “and two, I love giving back.”

It doesn’t cost any money to participate. Those interested in competing should send front and side headshots by Monday to Dumbauld, who will pick the 20 competitors Monday evening.

All competitors must be present at the free event, which Living Treasures will host in one of its parking lots on Route 711. Drinks, music and hopefully a food truck will be present, Dumbauld said.

More information can be found on Living Treasures’ Facebook page.