Lumberjack Festival & Competition

Get ready for a day of action and fun at the 13th Annual Lumberjack Festival & Competition at the Northern Forest Heritage Park in Berlin on Sunday, September 30. The event celebrates the history of logging and lumberjacking in the region with numerous events and activities.

A field of up to 75 competitors is expected to square off in several challenging arenas, including cross-cut, modified chainsaw, stock chainsaw, women’s and men’s axe chop, women’s and men’s axe throwing, standing block chop, and two-person log rolling. The lumberjacks and jills who will test their mettle hail from all around the United States and Canada and will compete for cash prizes totaling $3,640. The opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m.

The organizers like to point out that the Northern Forest Heritage Park venue is unique among lumberjack competitions because the spectators are able to sit or stand close to the action, making them feel like they are part of the event and letting them witness the strength, flexibility and fitness of the competitors up close and personal!

Casual observers can also flex their muscles, with the Fry Pan Toss for women and the Log Throw for men. Kids will love to try their skill in the Log Rolling (Burling) contest and the Metal Fishing Derby, using fishing poles with magnets. Other activities include farm animals and arts and crafts for the kids, a chainsaw carver, and discounted River Boat Tours from 11-4.

Begin the day from 6-9:30 a.m. with a hearty Lumberjack Breakfast. After you’ve worked up an appetite during the morning watching or participating in the action, settle down around noon with a Log Camp lunch of chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, apple crisp and cobbler, and the Northern Forest Heritage Park’s famous Bean Hole Beans. No one is going to go home hungry during this Festival! Admission is $7 for the 12 and older crowd, with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The all-day event is held at the Northern Forest Heritage Park at 961 Main Street, Berlin. Call (603) 752-7202 or click on www.northernforestheritage.org for more information.