SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — This weekend, the Island will literally be a buzz as more than 100 students and professional barbers from the Valley and around the country will be shaving, trimming and styling men’s hair as they compete in the second annual Barber Games Beach Expo.
Barbers will participate in a variety of categories, such as fastest fade, traditional, traditional with beard, southside fade, freestyle design and rookie of the year.
In addition to competitions, there will also be vendors, educational seminars, a fantasy hair and makeup showcase and a performance by DJ Kane, the former lead singer of Kumbia Kings.
The barber expo began last year after organizer and local barber Jacob “Jay” Espy envisioned creating an event that educates and showcases the entire barber community, such as students, barbers, cosmetologists and business owners from around the country.
Espy said barber expos have been garnering more attention but there hadn’t been any in the Valley. So, he felt inspired to organize his own event while he was in the hospital.
“I have a stomach condition that I have had to deal with for life,” Espy said. “Unfortunately, it puts me in the hospital two times a year. About a year and a half ago, I was in the hospital for about two weeks, and I was bored because I couldn’t leave so I just told the nurse to give me a pen and a pad and I started organizing the barber expo.”
Espy said it has grown and will continue to grow more each year as people keep recognizing his vision.
If You Go
What — Second Annual Barber Games Beach Expo
When — Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where — South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Boulevard
If interested in competing or attending the event, contact Jay Espy at (361) 510-1363.
Ticket prices
$35 — Pre-sale
$25 — Students with student ID
$50 — Day of the event
Professional competition categories
• Fastest fade
• Traditional
• Traditional with beard
• Southside fade
• Freestyle design
• Rookie of the year award
Student competition categories
• Fastest fade
• Traditional
• Most rep’d school
