HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Since Huntsville was recently named one of the most mustache-friendly cities in the U.S., it only makes sense that someone from the area has earned national recognition for his 'stache.

Ronnie Moore of Decatur is a finalist for the Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year Award, which recognizes the person who best represents the mustached American community. The winner will be named Oct. 28 in Chicago at 'Stache Bash 2011, which kicks off the Movember campaign to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.

Moore, who sings for the band Barnstormers, owns the Coffee & Play House in Decatur and uses it as a space where young artists can perform and display their craft.

“The shop was my way of giving kids around the area an outlet,” Moore said. “Having a performance space where people of any age can create is something has always been important to me. If young people are sitting at home until they’re 21, how are they going to suddenly become adept members of society?”

Not only does Moore give back to his community, he also sports a pretty recognizable mustache. That inspired his friend, Alex Powell, to nominate Moore for the unique distinction.

“I didn’t think I qualified,” Moore said. “He looked into it and put the nomination in.”

And now Moore is finding himself in pretty good company. Among the 21 other nominees are Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, astronaut Mark Kelly, Chicago Tribune’s Colonel Tribune and legendary former NFL player and coach Mike Ditka.

“I don’t know if that really puts me in the same category as Mark Kelly or Sam Childers, but I’m nominated, and that’s pretty exciting," Moore said.