How far will you go to make someone smile?
One Yorkton couple travels around the world with suitcases full of wigs, jerseys and hair dye to do just that.
Hans Madsen and his wife, Judy, have been photographed pretty much everywhere for their outstanding spirit when it comes to sports – more specifically, women’s curling.
But the couple shows their spirit in a way that most of us can’t – by dyeing Hans’ long, white beard to match whatever team they’re supporting.
“We’re just there to make people smile,” Hans told Yorkton This Week.
“It’s kind of fun. Not many people have that kind of beard,” Judy added.
Hans and Judy aren’t strangers to cameras or the media. Just Google them and you’ll see pages of pictures of them sporting various colours and outfits.
Most recently, the couple ventured all the way to Beijing, China for the CPT World Women’s Curling Championship 2017.
There, they received a special plaque from the Chinese sports officials in appreciation of their spirit and enthusiasm.
“At the end of the round robin they had us out at center ice,” explained Hans. “That was quite an honour.”
Though the Canadian team is their number one, Hans and Judy don’t fail to show support for other teams, too.
While in China, they were able to snag a hotel roughly five minutes away from the arena. The tournament schedule allowed them time to go back to the hotel to change their outfits and beard décor to match each team as they took to the ice when their respective countries were honoured.
Hans said this way, everyone gets support.
“Sometimes [teams] go and it’s just them – the team. No family members. It makes them feel more welcome,” he said.
But changing the beard is no quick job. Some of Hans’ designs take them up to six hours to complete. And getting the dye out sometimes takes up to six shampoos.
“It’s course, it’s like trying to paint steel wool. It’s taken years of practice. All of this has a base coat and primer, and we work backwards and bring it out,” Hans said with a laugh as he reflects on his well-publicized Toronto Blue Jays beard.
Where it all started
Anyone who has been to a Saskatchewan Roughriders game knows that fans aren’t shy when it comes to dressing up. So, that’s where Hans and Judy dyed his beard for the very first time.
“We’ve been season ticket holders with the Riders for ever,” said Hans, later adding that it’s been approximately 35 years. “Everyone dresses up for the Roughriders, but no one else has the beard. I’m a little bit different that way. But you don’t stand out as much.”
He also added that it’s never the same outfit at any event – each and every one is unique.
Hans and Judy aren’t alone in their enthusiasm. Their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren are into it, too.
While women’s curling is their favourite, and a Roughriders game was the starting point, Hans and Judy also frequent local events like Yorkton Terriers and Cardinals games, Blue Jays games and more.
And yes, they have wigs, outfits and dye for each one.
In fact, an entire room in their home is dedicated to their collection.
“I’d say it’s close to 700 wigs,” said Hans. “It’s all sitting there, sorted by colour.”
The couple brings extra suitcases with them when they travel, to make sure they don’t leave anything behind.
Hans said the standard when they travel is about 60 wigs.
“And then lots of paint,” added Judy. “China was two suitcases. Sometimes the airport looks at you kind of funny.”
Next up for Hans and Judy is Toronto, where they’ll be heading next week for the Grand Slam of Curling, and maybe some Blue Jays games.
While Hans admits their fun hobby does get expensive, he and Judy both say it’s worth it.
“If I can make people smile and the girls out on the ice smile, then it’s good,” he said.
