Benefiting the Syracuse Polish Home Foundation historic Brunswick Lanes.
"It's time to reopen the lanes!"
- Ron Wolek
Event Information
April 6th, 2024 will be the 71th anniversary of the original Syracuse beard contest event from 1953 by club founder Hank Wolek. Beards-men from around central New York and beyond are being recruited for the memorial contest to save Hank’s beloved Polish Home Brunswick Lanes. You can also attend and contribute by attending our awards banquet. Outside vendors are also welcome to attend by becoming a sponsor.
Take the train to Syracuse, NY
Using the Amtrak Northshore Limited, travel is easy to join the contest from Boston, New York City, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago. Amtrak Website
Event discount on Syracuse Area Hotels...
Get great event rates for hotels in Syracuse. Lodging Options
Date: April, 8th 2023
Venue: Syracuse Polish Home Banquet Hall
Adress: 915 Park Ave, Syracuse, NY U.S.A.
Event Schedule
10am - Competition Registration opens.
12pm - Competition Judging begins.
5pm - Banquet & Awards Ceromony.
Meet The Judges
To be Annouced
Judge #1
To Be Announced
Judge #2
To be Annouced
Judge #3
To be Annouced
Judge #3
Rob Synakowski
President Emeritus, Syracuse Polish Home Foundation, Judge #5
To Be Annouced
Judge #6
Ron Wolek
Score Keeper, Hank's grandson, President of Hank's Mustache & Beard Club, Hollywood Beard Maker.
Andrew Mango
Contest Officiator, Vice President of Hank's Mustache & Beard Club, Judge #7
Contest Categories
Sponsor & Vendor Application
Syracuse, NY aka SALT CITY, USA.
The Hank Wolek 70th Beard & Mustache Contest is coming back to beautiful Syracuse, New York!
This exciting event brings talented competitors from all over the world together to celebrate the best and most distinctive facial hair styles.
No matter where you choose to stay, you'll be close enough to experience all the excitement and fun this contest has to offer. So come join us in celebrating Hank Wolek's 70th year and take part in one of the most unique competitions around!
About the Venue...
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Hank Wolek beard and mustache competition in the historic 1919 Syracuse Polish Home Banquet Hall.
Featuring two bars and lounges, a stage, and banquet hall large enough for dancing.
Underneath is the historic Brunswick Bowling lane and the event will benefit the Syracuse Polish Home Foundations efforts to re-open these antique lanes.
Contest History...
This is the 70th anniversary of the original Syracuse facial hair club Hank's Mustache Club's contest. In 1953 the contest was held at Hank's Cafe on Marcellus Street in downtown Syracuse, NY. The event was popular and covered the Syracuse Post Standard journalists. As per tradition, men grew mustaches and beards during lent and the were rewarded with a clam bake.
Hank Wolek
In Memory of a Syracuse Champion
All-star Syracuse Athlete Hank Wolek made headlines throughout the late 40's and the 50's by giving back and sponsoring local Salt City sports and in 1953 his pioneer mustache club made headlines in the Syracuse Post Standard.
On the 70th anniversary of the article, Honest Amish & Hank's grandson, Ron Wolek are bringing the world class beard competition back to Syracuse as a tribute to Hank with a contest and dinner banquet at the Syracuse Polish Home. Proceeds will benefit bringing back the Syracuse Polish Home foundations effort to restore its historic Brunswick Lanes, where Hank trained to become a champion.
Beard Care!
Event Merch!
My grandfather had a legacy of giving back to local sports, and the Syracuse Polish Home Lanes were an essential resource for many city athletes to become champions, it’s time to reopen the lanes and honor his legacy."
Ron Wolek, contest organizer and Hank Wolek's grandson.
JOIN
US
April, 8th 2023
Syracuse Polish Home Banquet Hall
915 Park Avenue, Syracuse, NY 12304
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12:00-2:00pm (registration)
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2:00-6:00pm (competition)
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5:00-7:00pm (banquet)
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7:00-8:00pm (awards)
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8:00-10:00pm (party)