March is a time of year known for many things, chief among them is college basketball. (We'll get to that later, but needless to say, start thinking about your bracket)

There's St. Patrick's Day, and oh yes, you better believe we'll be covering that too.

And let's not forget the Ides of March.

But no, none of these is the point today. March is for Mustaches.

Astute (or bored) readers of this blog will know I am a fan of the 'stache-tacular arts and last fall I embarked on my own testosterone-driven journey into upper-lip grooming, all in the name of a good cause. The results were mixed to say the least.

But did you know March is for Mustaches?

Over at Mustache March they see the month as 30 days of upper-lip pride and solidarity. But on top of that it's a reason to raise money for charitable organizations. The Follicle Freedom Foundation is behind Mustache March and the movement to restore honor and dignity to the forsaken and ridiculed facial hair:

Powerful words.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Moustache March, another member in the growing legions of 'stache awareness groups. This year Moustache March is taking a rock theme for it's contest, so I'm seeing some frightening Nugent-inspired creations.

(Can we get a universal ruling on spelling here? Moustache/Mustache?)

But even locally Mustache pride is on the rise and March Moustache Madness is leading the charge.

These men, with their handlebars, their "uncle ricos," and "magnums" are tired of living in the shadows and want nothing more than acceptance and a chance to be a part of society.

And what better way to say "we're here, we're 'stached, and we're proud" than throwing the first annual Moustache Pageant March 29 at Flask Lounge in Portland. Affectionately referred to as the "'stache pag," contestants will compete in four categories, including "The Magnum P.I.," "The Uncle Rico," "Best in Show," and another that we'll just let you investigate over on the blog.

If this were not incentive enough to join these men on their crusade, they've also formed a support group for men with mustaches. These are men who find themselves ostracized from family and friends (not to mention women) and the recipient of dirty looks and scorn.
"Is your 'stache getting in the way of your social life? Not getting the respect you deserve at work? No longer satisfying the ladies? There is hope."

Finally, if all of this does not convince you to let your lip hair shine, take heed of local indie rockers Headstart, who are also doing their part to show love to the lost sport of facial grooming. On March 28 the band is playing the Big Easy and all the fans that come sporting a 'stache get in gratis, as in free. Combine that with the 'Stache Pag and you've got quite the weekend.

Chances are if you weren't clean and shorn on March 1 you may not be eligible for some of these contest, but by all means don't let that stop you from growing that protest 'stache. I personally am saddened I did not learn of it sooner, cause you can bet I'd be entering in the pageant. (Most likely the only one I'd ever enter.)

Still, something tells me all of this adds up to a month's worth of unhappy wives and girlfriends.

The things we do for the cause.

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