The fourth annual Okanagan Beard Festival is getting ready to start and this year’s competition field is promising for newcomers.

"Our panel of judges are all past winners," said organizer Tim Tweed. "Most of them are multiple award winners. They know what to look for, and this is going to free up a little bit of room in the awards ceremony for new faces."

The competition lasts until April, so even if you don’t have a beard now, you’ve got plenty to time to grow one.

"It's for anybody who has a beard or wants to have a beard, you don't have to have a beard to start," Tweed said. "Last year we had a gentleman start clean-shaven, and he grew quite an impressive white beard over the course of the competition and he won an award for best effort."

All proceeds from the event benefit Penticton’s Discovery house, including sales of the Beards of the Okanagan calendars, available at Okanoggin Barbers and at all Beard Festival events for $20. 

"It features winners from last year's event, so whoever's in the running for an award this year, they get first option of being featured in the 2020 calendar," Tweed said.

Tweed said the event grows every year, and he thinks it’s because beards are something men can bond over easily.

"Beards, it's one of those things that guys are like 'Hey dude, nice beard,'" Tweed said. 

He hopes to see over 80 participants this year, a growth of about 10 from last year. Registration will be held at the Cannery at 6 p.m. on Feb. 4. 

For more information on Beard Fest, click here.