A battle of Beards at The Barn to raise funds for a veteran charity

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Beards battle at The Barn to raise money for a non-profit supporting veterans this weekend.

The third annual Buckeye Beard Battle is this Saturday at the Barn on Linden Avenue. Competitors can compete for $20 per entry with all the money raised going towards Combat to Kayaks. This non-profit helps veterans transition to civilian life and find comfort through kayaking, fishing and community engagement.

“When we’re not on the water kayaking and offering free kayaking and fishing trips to veterans and their families, we help other organizations out with their fundraisers,” said James Clark, founder and president of Combat to Kayaks. “We organize fundraisers for other charities, organizations and families in need and it kind of gives that sense of purpose back to them and it bridges the gap between our veteran community and the rest of the community.”

The event features seven live bands, 10 competitive categories with prizes ranging from a custom  leather championship belt to beard and skin care products. Some of those beard products are from the organizer of the event and owner of Hemp Wizard, Michael Wiseman. The Zanesville native now lives in Florida but comes home to put together this event.

“My favorite part of this is bringing different communities together to do something good. You know, we got Combat to Kayaks that’s been an amazing charity to work with. I’ve done events all over the country, mostly down in Florida where I’m from, and one of the best charities that I’ve worked with,” Wiseman said. “Same with this venue here at The Barn. Very accommodating. You know, it’s been great coming here for this ”

More information about the event can be found on the Facebook pages of The Barn and Combat to Kayaks along with their individual websites. The Buckeye Beard Battle starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday.