Benefiting the Syracuse Polish Home Foundation historic Brunswick Lanes.
"It's time to reopen the lanes!"
- Ron Wolek
Event Information
In 1953 Hank Wolek created Hank’s Mustache Club, a mustache-growing contest popular enough to receive attention from the NY press. Braving threats of Atomic Rain and Youths with Razor Blades; Hank Wolek and his pals trail-blazed beard and mustache culture for close to a decade at Hank’s Cafe on Marcellus Street in Syracuse, NY. (See article as historical evidence of these events). April 8th, 2023 will be the 70th anniversary of the original event from 1953. 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 as a spector and contribute by purchasing a dinner banquet or awards show ticket. Vendors Welcome.
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 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
12pm - Registration opens.
2pm - Competition Judging begins.
5pm - Whisker Banquet starts.
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7pm - Awards Ceremony.
8pm -Victory Party.
Meet The Judges
Bob and Elliot, his mustache.
Public figure, 2x Nationals Champion, Judge #1
Ray Norcross
Host of Beards without Borders, recognized beard champion, Judge #2
Beard Laws
Author, Podcast Host, 2x Wolek Beard Champion Judge #3
Rob Synakowski
President Emeritus, Syracuse Polish Home Foundation, Judge #4
To Be Annouced
Judge #5
Ron Wolek
Hank's grandson, Hollywood Beard Maker, Event MC, tie breaker
Contest Categories
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.
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Featuring two bars and lounges, a stage, and banquet hall large enough for dancing.
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Underneath is the historic Brunswick Bowling lane and the event will benefit the Syracuse Polish Home Foundations efforts to re-open these antique lanes.
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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.
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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.
