Beards on Main to Bring Cars, Motorcycles and Charity to Downtown Ashland
ASHLAND, Ohio — Amazing cars, motorcycles, vintage fashion and impressive facial hair will take over downtown Ashland on Saturday, Sept. 12, during the End of Summer Main Street Bash.
The celebration will combine four attractions: the Main Street Car, Truck & Bike Show, the Ms. Main Street Bash Vintage Pin Up Gala, the second annual Beards on Main competition.
Beards on Main is hosted by the Appalachian Bearded Mafia, while the vehicle show is sponsored by Big 3 Racing.
“We are here to bring back charity and bring back community involvement,” Beards on Main organizer Chris Hall said.
Last year’s event attracted more than 218 vehicles, 18 pinup pageant contestants and over 60 beard competitors from outside Ohio. Hall expects an even stronger turnout this year, with two additional car clubs and more motorcyclists planning to attend.
Kandi McCrea, with Big 3 Racing, said the event will offer the community another opportunity to see downtown Ashland filled with unique vehicles and visitors.
This is what happens when amazing cars, beauty and beards take over downtown and we’re doing it again September 12,” McCrea said. “It’s all happening in historic Downtown Ashland as part of the End of Summer Main Street Bash.”
Hall & McCrea invited the public to join ‘Lucky Boy Beard Company’ and Big 3 Racing and friends as they celebrate the final days of summer.
Visitors will be able to attend and are encouraged to participate in the second annual ‘Beards on Main’ competition no matter what size or style of beard you are sporting, we have a place on stage for you! Most importantly visit downtown Ashland’s restaurants, shops and small businesses.
“Main Street is calling, are you ready to roll?” McCrea said.
While the cars, motorcycles, pageantry and beard competition provide the entertainment, Hall said the event’s central purpose is helping others.
“Beards open up conversations, and we’re able to talk about the charity work that we do,” Hall said.
Last year, Beards on Main raised more than $4,100 for Safe Haven and a branch of Acts for Love. Hall said Acts for Love makes quilts for homeless veterans and veterans receiving care in hospitals. The organization also creates special capes for children completing cancer treatments.
This year’s event will benefit the National Niemann-Pick Association and 9-year-old Allyyson, a Mansfield-area child who was recognized as an honorary officer by the Mansfield Police Department. Hall said Allyyson is battling Niemann-Pick disease, a rare and serious condition that progressively affects her body.
“They didn’t expect her to live this long, and she’s still thriving at 9 years old,” Hall said. “She’s very special and very close to our hearts.”
Money raised during the event will help Allyson’s family with medication and other expenses associated with her continuing fight against the disease.
Hall said the Appalachian Bearded Mafia has organized charitable events in eight states, supporting efforts against child trafficking, addiction recovery programs, children’s services and organizations assisting veterans.
Hall, a military veteran, said he has worn a beard since leaving the service in 2001. He jokingly described his current beard as “kind of short” compared with times when it reached nearly to his waist.
Street closures and event registration are expected to begin at noon Sept. 12 in downtown Ashland. Activities will continue through the afternoon and beyond 7 p.m.
Thanks to Red Line Motorsports for the photos
