Over the next three days, athletes from around the world will descend upon Willingdon Beach to compete in a variety of events held during Powell River Loggers Sports. While professionals battle for cash prizes, several fun events will also take place, including a celebrity axe-throwing contest on the morning of Saturday, July 16.
A field of eight contestants representing local businesses, organizations and media outlets will take aim at a 36-inch target using a double-bladed axe.
Peak publisher/editor Jason Schreurs represents Peak Publishing, one of many sponsors rallying around the return of the iconic games after an 11-year hiatus.
“When I first signed up for this, I imagined throwing tiny hatchets. I had no idea I would be hurling a huge, razor-sharp axe,” says Schreurs, who will be throwing an axe for the first time. “I’m more worried about severing my spine on the backswing than hitting the targets.”
First Credit Union president and chief executive officer Dave Craigen has previous experience in the competition, having been “volun-told to do it” by organizer Bob Marquis on more than one occasion at previous logger sports shows.
“I think I did okay at one or two of them,” says Craigen, who, when asked about nerves affecting his throwing in front of a crowd, adds, “look out beer gardens.”
Although he has not taken part in an event like this before, Tourism Powell River exective director Paul Kamon has been practising at home with his own axe and says he feels no pressure competing in front of a throng of people at the newly named Loggers Memorial Bowl amphitheatre. He also fully expects to win in his debut.
“Every year for the last three years I have been chopping two cords of prime Powell River Douglas fir in preparation for the day when I would be asked to join a celebrity axe-throwing competition,” says Kamon. “I intend to win and bring home the glory to my neighbourhood of Westview; leather gauntlet thrown on the ground.”
Completing the field are a mix of first-timers and former contestants including The Old Courthouse Inn’s JP Brosseau, Sun FM’s Bobby Fields, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicolas Simons, CJMP Radio’s Mel Edgar and Powell River Living’s Isabelle Southcott.
After an elimination round the top four celebrities then advance to a final round to determine the champion.
In sizing up the competition, Craigen says that since the field is heavily laden with media types, he sees them all as threats “all the time.” As for the others, Craigen suggests Brosseau has an advantage over the field.
“JP probably practises throwing knives in his restaurant kitchen, so I guess I better go try a practice throw,” says Craigen.
Personal expectations vary, from Kamon’s confident declaration to claim the title, to Craigen’s goal of not hitting anyone with the axe.
While Schreurs is looking forward to the challenge, self-preservation is first and foremost.
“Of course I’m excited to compete against my peers,” he said, “but I’ll be happy if I make it out alive, to be honest.”
Powell River Loggers Sports takes place Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17. The celebrity axe-throw contest takes place Saturday starting around 10 am. For complete schedule and event details, go to powellriverloggersports.com.
