The face of Olds is about to change. Men in Olds and area are encouraged to start a beard May 16 in support of the local Motorcycle Ride For Dad group to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men.
It's the second most common cause of cancer-related death.
Symptoms are often silent; early detection is the best defense.
The hair-raising Beards For Dad challenge is the brainchild of Olds' Ride For Dad chair Dean Harper.
He's challenged me and my face.
Several men in the Uptowne core will also spare the razor.
Men at Mountain View Publishing have agreed to the hair challenge.
We hope it will quickly grow.
Beards For Dad will wrap up at the Summer Oldstice in Uptowne Olds on June 21.
Local women will judge the final product awarding points for best looking, longest and most original.
This year seems most appropriate.
From June 21 to 23, the Uptowne core will include a part of Olds College's centennial celebration.
We will celebrate the start of Olds College when whiskered men ruled.
Men who have sported a beard for at least three years can participate if they agree to a clean shave on June 21.
Participants are encouraged to take a pre-beard photo to run in the Olds Albertan. Bearded men who agree to be shorn should also submit. Please drop them off at the Olds Albertan office or submit online at [email protected].
Pledge forms are available at Rip's and Mountain View Publishing.
Businesses are encouraged to participate, and we anticipate women will support this worthy cause by pledging a participant.
