TOOELE, Utah — Utah’s best beards are back in the spotlight this weekend for the third edition of the lauded Iron Beard Contest.

“We wanted to create a contest that brought people together but was also fun and competitive,” said Kevin Clement, founder of the contest and owner of Black Cat Barber Co.

Even though he doesn’t have a beard, Clement knows a thing or two about what it means to be an Iron Beard winner.

“It takes more than just having a long beard,” he said, “it requires fullness, it takes shape.”

First Iron Beard champion Scott Johnson has it all. He started his beard journey when Black Cat Barber Co. closed during the pandemic.

“With my kids and my grandkids, it’s like they’re pretty gray, let’s get a little older and see what happens at Christmas time,” Johnson recalled. “So I let it grow.”

Johnson’s favorite part of the competition is the camaraderie among the contestants.

“You get a room full of us together and it’s a great time,” he said.

“It’s very intense to be honest, there’s a lot of guys who will show up with beards and all you do is look at each other like what are you going to do when you get to that stage,” the second edition light beard category winner said. Troy Cahoon.

For participants, the contest isn’t just about finding out whose beard has what it takes, it’s also about giving back. Every dollar raised from this year’s admission and spectator fees will go to the Switchpoint Community Resource Center in Tooele: a nonprofit organization that provides resources to those experiencing homelessness.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that starting small is part of the big solution,” Clement said. “Caring about your local problems and helping solve them ultimately leads to solving larger problems.”

Clement invites everyone to join the solution this weekend.

“Anyone who would like to help the community please stop by.”

The Iron Beard Competition is held at noon Saturday at 5373 North Oswego Road in Erda. To register, Head to Black Cat Barber Co. this morningk or register for the event on the morning of the competition.