It was a great weekend for traditional lumberjack sports August 3 – 5. There were many great competitions. Local U10 rollers Dominic Wilson and Reilly Wahlers competed against each other in the North Shore Rollers log rolling tournament at the Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp. Reilly won this match 3 falls to 2 in a hard-fought contest. Overall Reilly finished second to current U10 World Champion Lucy Shaw.
Perfect weather and more athletes than ever before increased production for the lumberjacks and lumberjills at this year’s Fisherman’s Picnic as herds of spectators made their way through the Lumber Camp presented by Wood-Mizer and Central Boiler.
Sprinkles of the cool Lake Superior water were welcome as fans watched eight-time World Champion log roller Jenny Atkinson perform her fancy footwork showing different techniques used to dislodge opponents in competition. “A splash right in the eyes is a perfectly legal move,” explained Atkinson.
The lumber camp team focused on the history of logging, the tools used, how competitions evolved, and modern changes. The history of our area was well explained and supported by local businesses with deep roots. Lumber Camp was happy to welcome six-time World Champion Darren Hudson of Barrington, Nova Scotia. He is the sixth generation in a family deeply involved in Canada’s timber industry. His uncle is nine-time Log Rolling World Champion, Phil Scott. Darren has participated in traditional river drives in Nova Scotia and has logged with helicopters in British Columbia. If you were at the show on Thursday night, you will know why this jokester has the new nickname “Herring Hudson”!
Spectators were treated to a first-hand experience in log rolling with eight-time World Champion and 32-month breast cancer survivor Jenny Atkinson, Darren Hudson, and new semi-pro World Champion Jess Berg-Collman of Grand Marais. Many kids were able to get in the log rolling tank and learn from the highly skilled coaches. “Parents stood by in awe at how captivated their children were with learning to log roll. I told them, watch out. You’ll catch the fever just like I did 30 years ago. I still love log rolling just as much today as I did when I was 10!” Jenny said with a smile.
The North Shore Rollers from Grand Marais helped with the log rolling tank and showed off their skills. Their team tournament was Friday night. Several Grand Marais youth are becoming very skilled at log rolling and boom running after spending hours training at the municipal pool, the Atkinson pond and with their own logs. These kids are exceptional athletes. To keep up with results, become a fan on the Facebook page—North Shore Rollers!
The MN State Championship Log Rolling competition was a big hit with a strong amateur field, 16 world class professionals, seven World Champions including the 2012 World Champs. The mill pond was surrounded with enthusiastic spectators all day to watch the white water of fierce competition.
“We are very appreciative for the support of the Grand Marais Lions Club, Wood- Mizer, Central Boiler Outdoor Furnaces, MMT Heating and Cooling, Husqvarna, Steve’s Sports, Nace Hagemann Construction, The Lutsen Real Estate Group, Lutsen Lodging Company, Northstar Cabling and Communication, Studio 61 Hair Salon, Clearwater Outfitters and Lodge, Marine General, MN Army National Guard, Circle H Timber and Hedstrom Lumber Company for making it possible to keep this full scale event growing at the Fisherman’s Picnic. This is a one-of-a-kind event nationwide,” Atkinsons said.
Now that lumber camp season has come to an end it is time to work on equipment, rest and prepare for the 2013 Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp.
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