MANSFIELD — Big beards, little beards, full beards and even fake beards.  

All these and more could be spotted at the first Beards Behind Bars competition at the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR), Saturday, where more than 100 contestants from across the United States gathered to show off their facial hair – mustaches and beards.

Almost as in a beard beauty pageant, contestants strutted across a stage while the crowd cheered and five judges scored their facial hair. Awards were given for first through third place in up to 13 categories, including: natural and styled mustaches, chops, whalers, ladies realistic and creative beards, partial beards and full beards of different lengths.

“It’s a big party,” said first time judge, Mike Weaver. “And this is probably one of the biggest.”

He estimated about 100 contestants in attendance and 300 guests total.

“We get stereotyped as a rough crowd, but it’s about the charity,” said Jim Pacsuta, who’s beard is an inch shy of two feet.

Sometimes his wife, Cathy Pacsuta, who grew up in Shelby, notices people staring when they go out in public.

“I live with it,” she said. “But I’m about ready for it to be gone.”

Neither had ever visited OSR before. They live near Cleveland and have previously attended two competitions there.

“It’s a fantastic setting,” Jim said about the prison.

This is the first time that  Beards of the Old Northwest held its annual event at the Reformatory. It was previously held in a Cleveland venue. Guests could take tours prior to the competition.

Dennis Jedlicka had never been to the reformatory either, but called the location “extraordinary.” The Ohio native’s goatee-style may not win many competitions, but he comes for the fellowship.

“I’ve met so many friends,” he said. “It’s a good time.”

Paul Bradshaw and several others arrived all the way from North Carolina.

“We’re being transferred to the prison here,” he joked.

He and his companions all wore matching grey outfits, reading “North Carolina Department of Corrections” on the back. Bradshaw and his wife are going to Canada for vacation after the competition.

The event was sponsored by the Gnarly Beard Company. All proceeds benefit OSR.