Fresno Famous

Facial hair isn't a spectator sport.

Or is it? I supposed we could ask Jack Passion. 

Failing that, you could just show up at the Fresno Fair Oct. 5 for the Fresno Facial Hair Face-Off, where a dozen of so bearded (and/or mustachioed) men will compete for bragging rights (and front row tickets to see ZZ Top).

It all begins around 5:30 p.m. at the Pavilion Stage. 

To whet your appetite, I've come up with a short list of famous Fresno facial hair (in no real order). Feel free to add to the list.

* Pat Hill's Fu Manchu: This thing has super powers, like Chuck Norris' round house kicks or Kopi's hair piece. 

* William Saroyan's moustache: While early picture show Saroyan as handsomely clean shaven, Saroyan took to wearing a moustache in his later years. And what a moustache it was. I think it's called a Walrus in official parlance.

* Niilo Smeds' beard: While not techinically famous is the way that Hill and Saroyan are famous, Smeds is known among Fresno musian types. His beard (full, thick and blonde) is known by all who have seen it. It is not something you easily forget.