A local group is hoping to raise money toward a cure for cancer in a rather unusual way.

Downtown Petoskey’s Winter Blues Festival, scheduled to be held between February 15 and February 21, will feature numerous activities… including a beard growing contest.

The contest will begin before the actual festival; it kicks off at the downtown Petoskey offices (located at 216 Park Avenue) on January 8. All proceeds from the contest will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Contestants have to stop by the offices between 10am and 7pm on the 8th to take a “before” picture; they’ll also have to appear at the final judging on February 18th for an “after” picture.

Numerous categories will be featured in the competition; they include “longest beard,” “mountain man beard” and “poor excuse for a beard.”

Prizes will be awarded for each category. For more information on the beard growing contest or the Winter Blues Festival as a whole, log on to www.petoskeydowntown.com.