4th annual Battle of the Beards

Saturday, December 13, 2014

December means a lot of things. Christmas, Chanukah, lights, family, friends, maybe even snow. It also means that rugged people with rugged facial hair compete for the title; actually six titles. The 4th annual Battle of the Beards pits Atlanta’s best facial haired gentlemen and ladies against one another for the crown of Best Beard, Best Stache, Best Partial, Best Grooming, Most Creative and Lady Beard. 49 brave souls took their best shot at Smith’s Olde Bar on Saturday night accompanied by performances by Swank Sinatra and Captain and Maybelle. Judges Bill Danforth, Dulce Sloan and Eric Von Haessler had their work cut out for them as emcee Mike Albanese introduced each contestant onto the stage to let them strut their facial stuff. It was an amazing night!

Tiffany Gillis (right) and Angi Brittain wait for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Tiffany Gillis (right) and Angi Brittain wait for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Hilary Irvine (right) serves drinks during 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Hilary Irvine (right) serves drinks during 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Corey Beaman registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Corey Beaman registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Collin DeNoya registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Collin DeNoya registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Seehorn (center) stands next to Brittani Stanga as he registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Seehorn (center) stands next to Brittani Stanga as he registers for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Mike Hawkins (right) has his photo taken by Josh Meister as he waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Mike Hawkins (right) has his photo taken by Josh Meister as he waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Joseph Cowart (left) and Andy Greggory register for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Joseph Cowart (left) and Andy Greggory register for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Seth Nixon (center) waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Seth Nixon (center) waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Maybelle (left) and Captain Stab-Tuggo talk with Collin DeNoya before the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Maybelle (left) and Captain Stab-Tuggo talk with Collin DeNoya before the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Contestants register for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Contestants register for the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Ben McCoy (right) waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Ben McCoy (right) waits for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Cindy Terry (left), Jordan Brooks, C.J. Bass and Justin Haus take a selfie as they wait for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Cindy Terry (left), Jordan Brooks, C.J. Bass and Justin Haus take a selfie as they wait for the start of the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Brandon Pittman (right) plays the bass and Bob Place plays the guitar as Swank Sinatra performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Brandon Pittman (right) plays the bass and Bob Place plays the guitar as Swank Sinatra performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Bob Place plays the guitar as Swank Sinatra performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Bob Place plays the guitar as Swank Sinatra performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jaybo Etheridge (left) plays to the crowd in the Best Partial competition as Mike Albanese during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jaybo Etheridge (left) plays to the crowd in the Best Partial competition as Mike Albanese during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Judges Bill Danforth (right), Dulce Sloan and Eric Von Haessler take notes during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Judges Bill Danforth (right), Dulce Sloan and Eric Von Haessler take notes during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Seth Nixon plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Seth Nixon plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Blake Baker (left) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Blake Baker (left) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jeffrey Mach plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jeffrey Mach plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Partial competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jason Dykes walks over to the judges in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jason Dykes walks over to the judges in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jason Dykes plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Jason Dykes plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Daniel Keith plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Daniel Keith plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Daniel Keith plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Daniel Keith plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Kyle Tutton plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Kyle Tutton plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Kyle Tutton breakdances on stage as he plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Kyle Tutton breakdances on stage as he plays up to the crowd in the Best Stache competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Seehorn (center) waits for his turn to compete on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Seehorn (center) waits for his turn to compete on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (left) plays up to the crowd after attaching a mouse trap to his tongue as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (left) plays up to the crowd after attaching a mouse trap to his tongue as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp plays up to the crowd after swallowing a sword as he performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp plays up to the crowd after swallowing a sword as he performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (left) lifts an iron attached to his tongue as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (left) lifts an iron attached to his tongue as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Maybelle swings a brick attached to her nose as she performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Maybelle swings a brick attached to her nose as she performs on stage during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (right) lifts a bucket attached to his eye lids as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Captain Stab-Tuggp (right) lifts a bucket attached to his eye lids as he performs on stage with his partner Maybelle during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Parvin (right) plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Josh Parvin (right) plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

J.D. Dean (center) plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

J.D. Dean (center) plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Brian Whitcomb (center) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Brian Whitcomb (center) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Aaron McCants plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Aaron McCants plays up to the crowd in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Aaron McCants (left) leans in close for Dulce Sloan and the other judges to get a good look in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Aaron McCants (left) leans in close for Dulce Sloan and the other judges to get a good look in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Scott Corcoran plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Scott Corcoran plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Michael Moon (right) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Michael Moon (right) plays to the crowd as he competes in the Best Grooming competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Rachel Berning plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Rachel Berning plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Staci McNellis (left) plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Staci McNellis (left) plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition as Mike Albanese emcees during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Melodi Latta plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Melodi Latta plays to the crowd as she competes in the Lady Beard competition during the 4th annual Battle of the Beards at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2014.