One of the featured events and a crowd favorite at the Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp is the stock saw chainsaw contest that features two competitors going headto head to see who can saw through (up and down) a 20-inch lathe turned white pine. The contest tests both skill and strength of the competitors, not to mention their ability to stay focused and not panic under pressure.
As the Lumber Camp packed up the log rolling pool, sawmill, outdoor furnace displays and lumberjack equipment at the end of last year’s Fisherman’s Picnic celebration, the thousands of visitors to the annual Grand Marais Lions Club event wondered if Lumber Camp would be back. This week, the Grand Marais Lions happily confirmed that Grand Marais would once again be hosting this fantastic, family friendly event Thursday, August 4 – Saturday, August 6, 2011.
Lumber Camp, proudly presented at the Fisherman’s Picnic by Wood- Mizer Sawmills, Central Boiler Outdoor Furnaces, and numerous other generous sponsors, will include sawmill demonstrations, log rolling, chopping, cross-cut sawing, stock sawing, and axe throwing. Niel Atkinson and his wife, world champion log roller Jenny Atkinson, are again coordinating the exciting event. Jenny will be on hand to autograph posters and will be giving away coloring books for spectators after every exhibition.
National Guard also returns
Lumber Camp security will once again be provided by the Minnesota Army National Guard and they will be bringing a rock climbing wall and a spyder tent. There will be team building exercises and plenty of promotional Guard gear. “We are proud to help support and work with our Armed Forces. Everyone will be safe and secure at Lumber Camp!” said Niel. “Come out and see our National Guard log roll, saw, and axe throw with our world champions.”
Log rolling— champions, amateurs and kids!
Those world champions will be competing in the Minnesota State Championship log rolling and speed birling tournament beginning on Friday, August 5, continuing on Saturday, August 6.
In addition to the world champions, look for the local youth team in the North Shore Rollers Log Rolling Tournament sponsored by NorthStar Cabling and Studio 61 Hair Salon. The talented kids who have been practicing at the Grand Marais Municipal Pool will be at the tank at 5:00 on Friday, August 5 and will be followed by the Cook County ATV Club “Coin Dive.” Kids 10 years and under are invited to come out and splash for cash!
The tournament continues on Saturday with the amateur Minnesota State Championships at 11:00 a.m. and professional athletes at 3:00 p.m. Many of the world’s top professionals will compete for over $2,500 in cash and prizes and also to win a Husqvarna chainsaw.
Sawing contest—the modern way
Another great event is the Husqvarna and Steve’s Sports stock saw chainsaw on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Get down to Wisconsin Street early to save a spot to see the best square off head-to-head with Husqvarna 576XP saws cutting through 20-inch lathe-turned white pine.
The contest is open to professionals and individuals with solid operating experience. Loggers, chainsaw carvers, tree service, forestry, log builders, clearing crews, and experienced chainsaw operators are invited. There is $1,500 in prize money for a variety of classes—top 10 finishers, top eight women finishers, a mixed doubles contest and the fastest time. There will be a Husqvarna chainsaw for the overall winner and the women’s division (new this year).
Niel said, “As always, there will be lots of free stuff for our spectators.”
Registration is open the day of the event at 6:30 p.m., but preregistration is encouraged. Entry fee is $20 at preregistration and $30 day of the event. All competitors receive a competitor package of items worth over $30. Call Niel at (218) 388-0899 or e-mail niela@boreal.org with questions. Entries may be mailed to: Niel Atkinson, 80 South Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, 55604. Checks payable to Clearwater Logging.
Sawing Contest—the traditional way
The Lumber Camp will also host open sawing contests with a traditional crosscut saw featuring single buck, double buck, and mixed doubles sponsored by the Grand Marais Lions, Clearwater Outfitters and Lodge, Marine General and Hedstrom Lumber Company at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday. Registration at 12:30 p.m. You do not have to be a professional lumber jack or jill for this competition—all are welcome!
The Grand Marais Lions are happy to host the Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp proudly presented by Wood-Mizer Portable Sawmills and Central Boiler Outdoor Furnaces.
Other event sponsors are:
Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment,
Minnesota Army National Guard,
Steve’s Sports, Lutsen Mountains,
Eagle Ridge, Papa Charlie’s,
Lutsen Real Estate Group,
Lutsen Lodging Company,
Midwest Cabling and Communications,
Wildfire Protection Systems,
Nace Hagemann Construction,
Studio 61 Hair Salon,
Cook County ATV Club, Circle H Timber,
Clearwater Lodge and Outfitters,
Naturally Unique and
Hedstrom Lumber Company.
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