Do you love ribbons? Then the Hyatt Concourse on Thursday at 2:30PM was the place to be. Collecting ribbons at Dragon Con has become a cult favorite activity. What started out as a “here is a cool message about something I like” has become an all-out obsession.

Most participants attach their ribbons to the bottom of their badges. As time rolls on, the length (aka “beard”) becomes longer… and longer… and longer. Seeing all the colors and the fandom messages represented is incredible. It’s more that just trading ribbons. It’s about the camaraderie. It’s about meeting new friends. It’s about being proud of your geekiness and celebrating with others. For some, it’s about the competition of creating the longest beard. It’s not about the inches; it’s about the feet.

Last year at Dragon Con 2021, the longest beard inaugural competition winner was Jocelyn Rose at 34 feet, 9 inches (369 ribbons). Rose stood at the railing on the third-floor balcony of the Hilton and dropped one end. It looked like a flag unfurling in the wind. Beautiful.

This years’ event drew a large crowd. You didn’t need to trade. You could just ask for a ribbon. The participants filled most of the Concourse area. It was a good thing everyone wore a mask. Share ribbons, not germs.

If you want to find out more about creating and sharing ribbons, check out the Loyal Order of the Ribbon group on Facebook.