July 2009
World class competitors will entertain in logging and chainsaw sculpting events at Legends & Logging Days Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 & 8 at Red Bridge Park in Park Rapids.
Legends and Logging celebrates our area’s history, culture, artisans and food at this beautiful setting on the Fish Hook River. Skilled chainsaw artists and fiercely competitive loggers will vie for honors, loons and loony contests will call, artisans and crafters will show their work and vendors will serve a variety of great food. Other events will make the two days memorable as well.
In 2009, world record-holding lumberjacks will be back to compete after last year’s successful return of Logging Days events. Logging Days, Park Rapids’ signature event for more 30 years, was established to honor the rich heritage of logging in this neck of the woods. The new Logging Days features World Champion and World Record-Breaking Lumberjacks and Lumberjills, competing in wood chopping and sawing contests. Points these skilled competitors earn here will count toward the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, WI.
Ten Master chainsaw carvers will create north woods masterpieces all day Friday and Saturday. Judges will thrill the crowd as they do “quick carves” to demonstrate their skills while the master carvers work. Competition will be keen as the chips fly and a masterpiece emerges from a raw piece of wood. This year, carvers will be competing to qualify for the 5th Annual National Chainsaw Sculpting Invitational in Hackensack Sept. 25-27. All finished carvings will be auctioned off to the highest bidders.
Visitors will also find the unique creations of area artisans at an arts and crafts show. Handcrafted jewelry, one-of-a-kind metal sculptures, embroidered textiles and an array of other fine items are available. Food vendors serve a variety of fare from buffalo burgers and corn on the cob to fresh fruit and smoothies. A chili cook-off invites entries and offers prizes.
The All Veterans Memorial Committee will sponsor the Running of the Loons, races on the Fish Hook River both days. Other activities will include the Park Rapids firefighters’ water wars on Main Street, kids activities, raffle drawings and a Loggers Ball at the Park Rapids American Legion Saturday evening.
In the meantime, summer still lies ahead. Our lakes, parks and trails invite exploring or a place just to hit the refresh button and spend time with family and friends away from the routine.
The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable stay and if you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.