Monica Chavez BROWNSVILLE– Every year during Charro day’s a local group of doctors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and men in other professions collect money in a mischievous way.
Beard Posse is an organization of about 25-men who haul a mock jail to Charro day’s events—and playfully incarcerates men *without* beards, and the only way out? Is to pay a fine.
“Traditionally, we raise anywhere from 10 to $20,000 a year during Charro days. So, it’s a great organization of guys. We have a lot of fun.” Rubio said.
Community service member Joe Lee Rubio tells us Beard Posse traces its roots back to the inaugural Charro Days in 1938. Beard posse was later established in with the current incarnation active since 2012. Rubio says the fund-raising starts on social media. Men who do not grow beards are arrested, fined and falsely imprisoned until they pay a fine as little as $5 and up to $1,000.
“We send a notice out on Jan. 1st that basically says grow or pay. We give them the information of where to send in their donations and they go they’ll get a get out of jail free card.” Rubio said.
Rubio says all the money raised goes to the Brownsville historical association— and says the organization also raises money in other ways.
“We also publish a calendar every year so you can buy a month of the calendar for a certain amount, or you can buy an ad on the calendar and the calendar is published.” Rubio said.
Beard Posse also participates in the Sombrero Fest Frijolympics and the chili contest every year since 2012. A Brownsville attorney and U.T.R.G.V professor, Anselmo Naranjo, says the group won 1st place last year for their beans—and donated the prize.
“So, we won $2,000 and we pledge the money to an organization that is from Brownsville. It’s called the moody clinic.” Naranjo said.
Director and chief operating officer for sombrero fest Roy De Los Santos says the event is the largest three-day event in Cameron county—averaging 60-thousand people over three days. He says sombrero fest recruits nonprofit organizations to volunteer time.
“The best part about that opportunity is if you’re a group that doesn’t have a lot of capital for upfront costs this is the perfect opportunity for you because it costs you nothing to volunteer; and then based on the total hours of service that your group wants in, then we make a donation back to your organization.” De Los Santos said.
Naranjo adds the beard posse is a labor of love for its members.
“All of us do this for the camaraderie, the fun, and giving back to the Brownsville Circle Association and other organizations also.” Naranjo said. So next year, be sure to grow a beard…or pay a fine.
