Bill Dragos’ award-winning beard sleighs competition with South Australia’s best beard for 2024

A Santa Claus lookalike has been named as the owner of South Australia’s best beard for 2024.

Bill Dragos of Henley Beach South has been voted as having the best beard in SA. Picture Mark Brake

Bill Dragos does not need to wait until Christmas to see Santa Claus, he only needs to look in the mirror.

Last year, the Henley Beach South bicycle repairman joined the team of Saint Nick’s at the annual Santa’s Wonderland event at the showgrounds, spreading joy to hundreds of children and their families.

“I love it, I think it’s fantastic,” Mr Dragos said.

“I thought it was just going to be this thing where you just sit there and smile but it’s a lot more listening to family stories and giving them hope and happiness for Christmas.”

Bill Dragos dressed as one of Santa’s assistants. Picture: Supplied

After seven years of growing the silver mane, Mr Dragos’ beard has been voted the best in South Australia.

“It is the best news I’ve had all week,” Mr Dragos said when The Advertiser called.

“I’m really chuffed about this.”

While his magical Santa powers may have something to do with the beard’s magnificence, Mr Dragos said that “lots of beard oil and daily grooming” is the secret to keeping the whiskers looking fresh.

Bill Dragos of Henley Beach South has been voted as having the best beard in SA. Picture Mark Brake

Bill said “lots of beard oil and daily grooming” is the secret to keeping the whiskers looking fresh. Picture Mark Brake

“Mitch McConnell from ATTABOY has been solely responsible for shaping and making this canvas a beautiful thing as stated by the public,” Mr Dragos said.

“The ultimate one was when I was on a bus, and I was actually coming home, and this lady was about to get off the bus and she walked up to me and goes, ‘you are a beautiful man’, like straight at me and I said ‘whoa’ … lovely compliment.”