Tim Millar's big day has finally arrived. Millar, guitarist of Canadian metal powerhouse PROTEST THE HERO, has been growing his beard for three years in hopes of competing in the 2009 World Beard and Moustache Championships. This Saturday, May 23, the Championships will be held in Anchorage, Alaska and Millar will be competing in the "Alaskan Whaler" category.

A film crew will be accompanying Tim as he and Beard Team Canada compete for the first time in this global event. Fans can log on to this location to support the team and more information about the competition can be found at www.worldbeardchampionships.com.

Although Tim recently ranked #19 in Metal Hammer magazine's "Best Beards in Metal" feature, he tentatively plans to shave the whole thing off when he returns home.

"I'd like to raise money for Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients under 18," he says. "Even though they won't accept a beard hair donation, I'm cutting off and donating my hair and if I can raise enough money through the Beard Team Canada site, I'll also shave off my beard after the competition and start fresh for 2011. It's for a good cause and if we raise enough money, I'll reveal my chin that has been hiding for the last three years. I'm sure you're all curious to see if I really do have a chin."

PROTEST THE HERO's second full-length, "Fortress", was released in January 2008 and debuted in The Billboard 200 and entered the same charts in Canada at #1. "Fortress" also received a Juno nomination in 2009 for "Best Rock Record." The band just wrapped up its U.S. headlining tour last week and will be announcing more North American dates shortly.

"Blood Meat", the first single from "Fortress", will be available as a Guitar Hero download on Xbox Live on July 30.

Members of the band recently accepted an award for "Most Viral Video" at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles. The video is currently on the band's MySpace page.

PROTEST THE HERO is vocalist Rody Walker, bassist/vocalist/lyricist Arif Mirabdolbaghi, vocalist/guitarist Tim Millar, guitarist Luke Hoskin, and drummer Moe Carlson.