From a salon chair to the mayor's chair - the race for the top job in HRM got a lot more interesting Thursday night.

Well-known local businessman Fred Connors told hundreds of people at an awards banquet that he'll run for mayor of HRM during municipal elections this October.

Connors, who owns a beauty salon that bears his name, says it's time for change.

"I've been involved in my community for a very long time and I care very passionately about the community that I live in and HRM as a whole," Connors told CTV News.

"I think that I have a lot of ability, a lot of passion, a lot of energy to look at other communities in HRM to really see where they're struggling, care about what these communities care about, and see that we can get some real change happening in Halifax."

Connors' announcement drew applause and cheers from 350 people gathered for The Courage to Give Back Awards at the Cunard centre.

The event is a fundraiser for Family S-O-S, an organization that provides programs and services directed toward strengthening families.

Connors was raised in Nova Scotia.

Besides owning and operating the Fred Salon, he's been a clothing designer, makeup artist and photographer.

Former police officer Tom Martin is the only other declared candidate in the race, but there've been suggestions former MP Mike Savage might throw his hat in the ring, and incumbent mayor Peter Kelly is widely expected to re-offer.