MANSFIELD — Mike Weaver wandered into the world of flourishing facial hair in an unorthodox way.

He sported a goatee for years before neglecting a razor. He has not shaved since Sept. 1, 2013.

“I was trying to get my wife to quit smoking. She was never fond of (my full beard),” he said. “After a year, it was still there and she hadn’t quit smoking. After another year I started to fall in love with it and I started (participating in) the beard competitions.

“They are just for charity, which is the part I love about the the comps. Every club picks a charity for their comp and all proceeds people buy tickets for goes to a charity.”

Weaver is apart of an organization called Mad Viking Ohio group, a national group which opened a chapter in Cleveland. Weaver said his organization does a lot of veteran-oriented charity works.

On Saturday, July 1, The Ohio State Reformatory will be hosting a Beards Behind Bars event with Mike Weaver as the judge of the competition.

The beard-off will be hosted by the Beards of the Old Northwest out of Cleveland and proceeds will go towards helping restore the Ohio State Reformatory as it tries to become an historical landmark.

“When you get there, it’s a big party. Everybody is friends they just get together for charity,” he said. “This is actually my first time judging. Most of the time, length is important but also fullness. That’s what makes it a good beard. It really depends on the category.”

Weaver explained there are competitions for men and women to compete. The women’s category is his favorite of the competitions. 

“These girls put a lot of time and effort into making their beards look real,” he said. “They are all theme-oriented and they are just fantastic.”

Eric Zatchok, Beards of the Old Northwest Cleveland club president said the fundraiser is more laid back than most other charity events.

“With charity, you think of more formal, black tie events,” he said. “Here, we’re just standing around with beards enjoying drinks and having fun.”

The competition will have a bevy of beard categories for men and women from beard lengths to women’s creative.

“The ladies’ events are the coolest,” Zatchok said. “It’s cool to see all the realistic beards they make and the creative ones too.”

Men’s competitions include mustache, mutton chops, groomed beards, and beards under 4 inches, 8 inches, 12 inches, and over 12 inches.