Moustache Pageants Are Real - At Least in Maine They Are
HISTORY OF THE STACHE PAG
So what is the Stache Pag anyway? Well, for one thing, Stache Pag is short for Moustache Pageant, so the g is soft.
Other than that, it is, loosely, one hell of a party... that celebrates creative facial hair. The emphasis here has been on the word loose. Have a look at some of the photos from Pag's of years past (2008, 2009, 2010), or the photos on our facebook group, the popularity of which is growing at an alarming rate.
Here is some history: we started this event in 2008 on a whim. We took hold of the notion of March Madness, and incorporated the moustache--March Moustache Madness. Then, we thought (this is us thinking now, but I use quotes to note our precise thoughts):
Stachetag: Man, wouldn't it be friggin' awesome to have a moustache competition here in Portland.
Bean Sprouts: Yes, it would. A moustache pageant, if you will.
Stachetag: Yes, I will. A Stache Pag!
Together: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
So these telepathic musings led to actually talking about the event. A principal notion of the event was to spread the stache love around between many local venues. Year one we picked on the Flask Lounge. Packed the place, 35 contestants, couldn't walk without spilling your drink. No nudity, though.
Year two it was Novare Res. Loudest place I think I've ever been (except for the grand re-opening of the State Theater with My Morning Jacket... that actually hurt). Christ, I had to leave due to the ringing in my ears. 44 contestants. Again, you could NOT move in that place. I wouldn't be shocked to hear it hasn't been that full since. Still, no nudity.
Year three, we knew we had to step it up. To the Empire Dine and Dance we took the show, and what a show it was! 66 contestants, 314 paid spectators, holy shitballs! The Green Room was hopping, the yeast-flavored soda was flowing, and the crowd was intense. Fully. We hired a camera crew, we sold t-shirts, we gave the contestants their own row. There was blood (that guy got kicked out), sweat (everywhere!) and tears (dude, it's cool, I thought you should have won too, but you could be this year's winner!). But still, most clothes remained in tact.
In 2011, we took over Portland's newest favorite bar: Bayside Bowl. What's great about Bayside is that many of the bartenders and staff already have a rich history of being stachetastic in their own way. To learn more about that, go to Bayside Bowl, pull up a pint, and engage one of these fine gentleman and ask them about their relationship with the moustache.
Last year, in 2012, agreeing with Stache groupies united (a nonprofit yet to be formed?), we needed a bigger venue, so we shot for the heart of the arts district in Portland: Port City Music Hall. We initiated VIP entry, incorporated a film festival, added a full-on catwalk, and hooked DJ Tim D up to PCMH's state-of-the-art sound system. The result? Nearly 500 tickets sold (about 65 percent of those to women), and the place was veritable moustache petting zoo... with beer.
In 2013, we make a triumphant return to PCMH to sell that place out. With the help of Creative Content Partners on the event planning, we're not so sure what this year's Pag will bring, but this moustache train is picking up speed. Care to come along for the ride?
Music by Evan Casás
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