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Centennial

Information about Craig's Centennial

Craig — Fifty years ago, a group of men under the name “Brothers of the Brush” decided to go unkempt.

Starting clean-shaven, they grew out their beards in honor of Craig’s 50th anniversary jubilee.

One estimate put the Brothers at almost 600 strong.

They broke into 10 chapters, with names like “The Dirty Thirty” and “Baker Bums,” and each chapter had it’s own “Big Whisker,” or someone who could grow the best beard.

Original categories included best muttonchops, mustache, side-burns, greyest, blackest and many more — even the most futile attempt.

They even donned hats and buttons to excuse their shabby appearance in the name of good fun.

“Back then, it was about more than just growing their beards,” Craig Centennial committee member Beth Gilchrist said.

It was something that brought the community together, she said.

It is in that spirit that the Craig Centennial Committee is conducting its own beard-growing contest for Craig’s 100th birthday with signup at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Centennial Mall.

Participants must show up clean-shaven, and they will have 100 days to grow the best beard possible until Craig’s centennial birthday April 21.

Those who are interested but cannot make the Saturday signup, or have other questions, may call Gilchrist at 824-3986.

The contest is free to enter.

“It’s still undecided how it will be judged,” Gilchrist said. “It depends on who enters.”

Winners will receive a Craig Centennial gift basket.

“There’s a lot of people who will remember the golden jubilee, some of the people who participated are still living,” Gilchrist said. “It’s a fun way to relive a bit history.”

Hans Hallgren can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or hhallgren@craigdailypress.com.