Competitors bear down in the crosscutting contest as they power their way through the log. The timed event tests your fitness and ability to work together with a partner. This is one of many events held at the Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp held over Fisherman’s Picnic weekend August 2-4 that people can either watch, or choose to participate in.
As the weather gets warmer and downtown Grand Marais gets busier, thoughts turn to the Grand Marais Lions Club’s Fisherman’s Picnic—and Lumber Camp.
The Fisherman’s Picnic Lumber Camp, proudly presented by Central Boiler and Wood-Mizer Portable Sawmills is returning August 2 – 4 with sawmill demonstrations, log rolling, chopping, cross-cut sawing, stock sawing, and axe throwing with the pros!
In addition to watching professionals compete for over $2,500 in prizes in the Minnesota State Championship log rolling and speed birling tournament Friday and Saturday, August 3 – 4, there will be a local tournament, the North Shore Rollers Log Rolling Tournament sponsored by Northstar Cabling and Studio 61 Hair Salon on Friday.
Throughout the weekend, there will be open log rolling all day in between exhibitions and axe throwing for adults and children following presentations.
After the North Shore Rollers and before the stock saw chainsaw contest on Friday night, Aug. 3, will be the Cook County ATV Club Coin Dive from 6 – 6:30 p.m. Kids 11-years-old and under can dive into the log rolling tank for cash!
Eight-time log rolling world champion Jenny Atkinson shows a somewhat apprehensive National Guard member how to roll on the log. Atkinson and her husband Niel set up and run the Lumber Camp at the Fisherman’s Picnic.
Then the best sawyers will go head-tohead in the chainsaw contest, sponsored by Husqvarna and Steve’s Sports. In this exciting contest, professionals and individuals with solid operating experience compete. Loggers, chainsaw carvers, tree service, forestry, log builders, clearing crews, and experienced chainsaw operators are invited to compete with Husqvarna 576XP saws, cutting through 20-inch lathe-turned white pine.
There is $1,500 in prize money (paid out to top 10 finishers overall, the top 8 women, a mixed doubles contest and the fastest time) and a Husqvarna chainsaw for the winner of the overall and women’s division. There will also be a mixed double finale on Saturday right before another exciting event, the cross-cut contests.
Lumber Camp organizer Niel Atkinson said, “This year the women’s division promises to be strong so come out and see the best women compete for cash and a chainsaw. Come out and see the North Shore’s best and cheer on your favorite sawyer!”
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 Co at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday. Following the sawing will be an axe-throw contest sponsored by the Minnesota Army National Guard.
The Guard will also be back with the rock climbing wall, a Spyder tent and team building exercises, plenty of promotional gear and a team of National Guard personnel. “We are proud to help support and work with our Armed Forces,” said Atkinson. “Come out and see our National Guard log roll, saw, and axe throw with our world champions.” Atkinson said, “We have over $7,000 in prizes to give away during the weekend to all of the spectators and participants. Come out and get some great prizes.”
Log Rolling World Champion and Cancer Survivor Jenny Atkinson will also be at Lumber Camp through the weekend, autographing posters and giving away coloring books for spectators after every exhibition.
Watch for a complete schedule in a future issue of the Cook County News-Herald.
“Come out and meet all the pros,” said Niel Atkinson.
To compete in the stock saw contest:
Entry fee is $20 in advance or $30 day of
the event. Pre-registration preferred.
Mail entry to:
Niel Atkinson
80 South Clearwater Rd
Grand Marais, 55604
Checks payable to Clearwater Logging.
Call Niel at 388-0899 or
e-mail niela@boreal.org with questions.
All competitors receive a competitor
package of sponsor items worth over $30.
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