King of Beards crowned on opening night of Irish Festival in Clayton

CLAYTON — A new King of Beards was crowned at the Irish Festival on Friday night.

The Donegal Beard contest, put on by Sportsman’s Barber Shop, begins in earnest around New Year’s Day when participants get clean shaven at the State Street barber shop in Watertown to prepare for the yearly event.

15 people took part in the event on Friday.

“We’re excited for a new season, new year,” said Connie Johnston, owner of Sportsmans Barber Shop, which hosts the event.

The 2026 King of Beards and the “Dedicated Donegal” were both won by the same person this year, Dr. James P. Pelletier.

Asked about how it felt to win, Dr. Pelletier said “I was very surprised.”

Pelletier said it was “fantastic” to win the King of Beards.

“I really love coming here every year,” he said. “It’s just really awesome to win.”

As for tips, Pelletier says he tells people to exercise and “anything that increases your metabolic rate.”

“Vitamins help and that’s all it takes,” he said.

This was Pelletier’s eighth or ninth year competing.

Men were judged on length, fullness, color, shine and texture, style and balance, and if it is a true Donegal.

In addition to the King of Beards, awards were given out for people’s choice, most colorful, best accessorized, a senior division award, an under 18 division, and the Donegal duo.

Johnston said she enjoys listening to why people are there and how they tried to grow their beard the longest.

“It’s interesting to see what people do to try to grow the best beard,” she said.

She described it as being “a fun activity.”

Funds raised benefit scholarships for the Northern New York Community Foundation, which helps local kids.

This is the second year Clayton’s Cerow Arena has hosted the Irish Festival and beard contest. Johnston sang the arena’s praises.

“They’re wonderful people down there. They help us get set up. It’s a great, great place to have moved to,” she said.

Johnston said for next year’s competition, they will try and bring back previous King of Beards winners to compete against each other for “King of King” honors.

Dr. Pelletier said he doesn’t think he is going to win next year at the “King of Kings” event, but says he still has fun every year.

“I just think it’s a great event and I think everyone should come down and enjoy,” he said.

The festivities continue Saturday in Clayton and include food, music, cornhole, children’s activities and the annual Shamrock Run in Watertown.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Clayton.

Visit ncirishfest.com/ for details.