Lumber Camp is a one-of-a-kind event

There were 32 competitors in the Friday, August 5 stock chainsaw contest. Finishing in the money were (L-R) Chris Serpico, 10th (front), Carl Rick 7th, Jenny Atkinson 8th, Jeff Eliasen 4th, Aaron Mielke, 1st with his new Husqvarna chainsaw, Clay Johnson 2nd, and Erik Simula, 3rd. Right: Aaron Mielke cutting through 20” lathe-turned white pine with Husqvarna’s 373XP during the professional sawyers competition.

There was non-stop activity at the Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp presented by Wood-Mizer and Central Boiler—friendly contests, demonstrations, and there was even some work being done as Lumber Camp organizer Niel Atkinson milled three cords of salvage logs donated by Hedstrom Lumber Company.

The logs, trucked to Lumber Camp by Circle H Timber, were milled with the LT40 Wood-Mizer portable sawmill. Atkinson said, “Many people were intrigued by the machine. They were amazed I was able to produce 1,500 board feet of quality lumber from salvaged logs.”

It was fun to watch, as were the many competitions taking place, such as the head-tohead stock chainsaw contest Friday night, sponsored by Husqvarna and Steve’s Sports. Professional sawyers battled it out as the sun went down over the Grand Marais harbor, dueling for cash prizes and a brandnew Husqvarna chainsaw. Aaron Mielke of Grand Marais took home the gold and a new Husqvarna chainsaw followed by Clay Johnson of Hovland in 2nd and Erik Simula of Hovland rounded out the medals in 3rd. In the Women’s division Jenny Atkinson took home the gold and a Husqvarna chainsaw and Sue Prom of Grand Marais finished 2nd. In the mixed doubles, Clay Johnson and Jenny Atkinson won gold and some cash.

 

The fastest time of the entire tournament after 62 times posted was 20-month cancer survivor, Jenny Atkinson. “Survive, thrive, and saw fast! My new spark plugs must be running hot!” commented Atkinson.

The cross-cut contests sponsored by Hedstrom Lumber and the Grand Marais Lions Club were a big hit. Competitors got to try cutting wood the traditional way with a cross-cut saw slicing through 8 inches of fresh aspen. A combination of singles, mixed doubles (Jack & Jill) and doubles made for a great deal of fun. The open competition continued at the Wood-Mizer axe throwing target sponsored by Lutsen Mountains, Eagle Ridge, Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen Real Estate Group and Lutsen Lodging Company. Both kids and adults had a great time trying—and not losing—their hands in a traditional axe throw. “A great time was had by all,” said Niel Atkinson.

One of the highlights of Lumber Camp was the presence of the Minnesota Army National Guard. “The personnel on the ground at the event from the Guard were absolute professionals and a pleasure to work with. We are lucky to have such great people protecting our freedom in the greatest country in the world,” said Niel Atkinson.

The Guard personnel were able to show off their training skills in camp while joining the lumberjacks in a special exhibition. “Their climbing wall, display and tons of promo items were a great addition to our camp,” said Atkinson, and the hundreds of kids who took the Guard’s challenge to climb agreed.

The Guard members were rewarded for their efforts by Marine General, which sponsored fishing for the Guard on the Tin Bear, a “fishing assault vehicle” on Lake Superior. The trout and salmon were smoked up for the crew right in the lumber camp. The Guard also traveled up the Gunflint on Sunday to help out with the professional and amateur boom run as well. They stayed on for some BWCA fun provided by Clearwater Lodge with some paddling, a boat ride and a dinner on the dock to close the event.

“This is a one-of-a-kind event nationwide,” Niel Atkinson said. “Now that lumber camp season has come to an end it is time to work on equipment, rest and prepare for the 2012 Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp.”

HUSQVARNA Top 10 Stock Saw results:

(2 cuts in 20” white pine, 32 competitors)

Fastest time

Women’s Division:

Co-ed Team Division