HUME — It is time for the male population around Hume to start growing facial hair for the upcoming sesquicentennial celebration.

A Brothers of the Brush competition is part of the July 22 festivities.

Several categories are included for judging such as the whitest beard and a mustache section for those who want a limit to the facial hair.

Full beard is an area where judges are looking at length, thickness and overall style.

Partial beard is for those wanting to sport a goatee, Fu Manchu or perhaps an Abe Lincoln style. Extra points may be garnered for creativity.

Most unusual beard is a category where contests can get expressive. Judges will look for the most creative use and styling of facial hair.

Even men who cannot grow facial hair can take part via the worst beard category. This is an area where the lack of luxuriant whiskers can get sympathy points from the judges.

The Hume Sesquicentennial Brothers of the Brush competition is open to all. Hume residency is not required.

Participants may use styling aids such as hair spray, foam, gel, wax, hair pins, clips and rubber bands in the quest for a special or best look. Adding artificial hair is prohibited.

In addition to the hirsute endeavor, the planning committee has created a three-day schedule of events for July 21 – July 23.

One of the events includes an exhibit of Hume related artifacts, and this endeavor is sponsored by an Illinois Humanities Grant to involve Shiloh High School students in the project.

Other activities are familiar parts of the annual F3 Festival at Hume.

The sesquicentennial starts 4 p.m. July 21 when the exhibit opens at St. Michael’s Parish Hall. It kicks-off an evening of fun activities including a Lions Club dinner, tie dye event, road rally, foam party and a free movie with snacks. Unspecified fun activities for kids are also promised.

Other food vendors, in addition to the Lions Club, have offerings during the evening.

Things start early July 22 with a breakfast by the Hume Christian Church in the community building from 7-9:30 a.m. The History of Hume exhibit is open all day from 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Fun events to look for July 22 include a history ramble, live music by the Hometown Band, tie dye event, kiddie tractor pull, Brothers of the Brush, cornhole tournament, junior redneck games for those 17 and younger, inflatables and zipline, parade, senior redneck games for those 18 and older, bingo, a Shiloh FCCLA cakewalk, Jonah Fish Fry, free ice cream provided by First Neighbor Bank and a lawn Yahtzee tournament.

Of course, the always popular stuff something returns. The goal is to see how many people can pack into a confined space, but the object to be stuffed remains a mystery until almost the last minute.

Past objects have included an automobile, an outhouse, a tractor cab and a dog kennel to name but a few.

July 22 is the main party day for the festival. At this time, more than 20 vendors have committed and they are offering a variety of unique merchandise. Food vendors will also be setup in and around Grafton Park, offering tasty options.

The final day, July 23, is more subdued. The History of Hume exhibit is open 9 a.m.-noon and an official closing ceremony is 10:30 a.m.