FARMINGTON – Charitable folks can register for a little hair on the chin New Year’s Day at the Grainary.

Sponsored by Northern Lights Hearth and Sports, the first Growin’ a Beard fund-raising event will begin with registration from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Modeled after a similar event begun in Shamrock, Texas, in 1938, men will be asked to grow a beard over the winter months to be judged on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

According to Northern Lights co-owner Todd Richard, who learned about the Texas competition from a half-hour documentary film, every man in Shamrock is required to participate or they “go to jail,” taken there by the “chief fuzzer” on St. Patrick’s Day.

Entry fee for Farmington contestants is $25, but if someone registers and shaves before March 17, he will be asked to pay $50.

“Once you’re in, you’re in,” said Richard, who added that he has talked with area bankers and business owners who said they are in.

Beards will be judged on whatever characteristics the judges choose to use, but one rule carried over from the Texas tradition is that the beard must be a Donegal one. A Donegal beard grows along the jowl and chin and has no accompanying mustache, like that of a leprechaun. A mustache is permitted during the growing season but must be gone by judging day.

Contestants must start clean-shaven the morning of New Year’s Day. If a would-be contender cannot register Saturday, he can do so later at Northern Lights on Wilton Road. But, Richard said, late registrants will be at a disadvantage, having a shorter growing period.

Organizers hope to make this an annual event, Richard said, with funds going to help a local family in need, or a charitable organization.

If 30 people did it, that would be great, he said. He hopes that in the future, when people see a Donegal beard in the middle of winter, they will say, “you must be from Farmington.”

The beard-challenged and those who prefer to be clean-shaven may still donate at Franklin Savings Bank. Checks should be written to Growin’ a Beard.

GO AND DO:

WHAT: Registration for the Growin’ a Beard charity contest

WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, New Year’s Day

WHERE: Grainary Brew Pub and Restaurant, Pleasant Street, Farmington

HOW: $25 entry fee, $50 if contestant shaves before March 17