Powell River Logger Sports returns this year with a grand event showcasing local and international competitors.
One event that stands out is the three-day chainsaw carving showdown, featuring local carvers and some from as far away as New Zealand.
“The carvers will start Thursday night [July 13] and go until Sunday [July 16] at noon,” said carving competition coordinator Laura Passek.
Two local carvers will be competing: Jay Perrin and Clint Blaney.
Along with traditional logger sports such as pole-climbing and axe-throwing, which will include local and Canadian champions competing, audiences will be entertained by a high-tree act, historical displays, as well as food and arts vendors.
At the helm of the festivities is former logger sports world champion Bob Marquis, who is a fourth-generation logger and president of the Powell River Logger Sports Board. The event will be held at the Loggers Memorial Bowl Amphitheatre at Willingdon Beach, which faces the Salish Sea and was built by industry volunteers in 2016.
“The logger sports start Friday [July 14] but the grand opening is Saturday,” said Passek.
The free event continues with multiple events taking place each day through Sunday, July 16.
Organizers are asking attendees to bring a non-perishable food item, or cash, for donation to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank. Loggers Sports is hoping to fill a gravel truck each day with the donations.
