After years of steadfastly trying to clean up Bogalusa, City Hall is now encouraging local men to get scruffy.

Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Landon Tims is even planning to have a Hootenanny for those who become Brothers of the Brush by signing up and growing beards, mustaches and/or sideburns in honor of and until the Bogalusa Centennial on July 4.

The facial hair is a nod to the city’s early days, when styles were different and electric shavers were nonexistent.

It only costs $5 to become a Brother, and all proceeds will be used as cash prizes for the winners of competitions, including Best Beard, Best Mustache, Best Sideburns, Most Creative Facial Hair and Best Effort at a Beard by Somebody Who Can’t Grow One But Tried Anyway, Tims said.

“It’s just a fun way for guys to be involved in the Centennial celebration,” he said. “It shows their support of Bogalusa.”

Men can sign up as individuals or they can form chapters, groups of 15 or more, to become eligible for the Largest Chapter Award.

It’s more than just the competition. The judging and presentation of awards will take place during a Hootenanny on June 28, just before the actual Centennial.

And the Brothers better stay away from the razor for at least that long because there will be a Kangaroo Court that night. Any man who is clean shaven or who is not wearing a Brothers of the Brush button will have to go in front of a judge and be sentenced for that offense.

Tims said those found guilty might have to perform a service or be “bailed out” for a small fee that will be put back into the program.

To sign up visit City Hall, Arata and Arata Law Firm, Bogalusa Lumber, Bogalusa Main Street, the Cuckoo’s Nest or Magnolia Inn. There will also be an award given for Best Brotherhood Barbershop.

For information, call Tims at 516-3870.