PHOTOS: DOUBLE SHUTTER IMAGES
&
& Squamish Days
Be sure to check the Squamish Days website for the latest information and festival updates
www.squamishdays.ca
Welcome to the 55th Annual
Squamish Days Festival featuring North America’s premier Loggers Sports show! by Bryan Couture The pioneers of Squamish Days saw a This year we would like way to have fun by competing against to pay homage to our each other in our small logging town. Pioneers & Little did they know that this local Volunteers celebration would grow to become an internationally recognized sport and community festival. Their creativity has since brought together thousands of volunteers, spectators, and participants. They have created a lasting legacy of community stewardship as well.
The SPAR TREE Official Squamish Days Souvenir Program Welcome Message from Bryan Couture Welcome from the Mayor John Drenka by Bryan Raiser Pioneers and Volunteers by Dawn Green Bill Fairhurst by Dawn Green Thank You Sponsors SOUVENIR MAP (insert) Complete Schedule of Events Loggers Sports Show Real Squamish Loggers Don’t Wear Touques by Bryan Raiser Happy 100th Birthday BC Forest Service
Unfortunately, with a long history like ours it is no surprise that some of our pioneers and long time volunteers have now left us. One of those pioneers was the originator of our famous Rotary Beef Burger, Mr. John Drenka. John perfected the recipe and spent many hours sweating over the alder wood BBQ, barking out orders to his fellow Rotarians, and always with a knowing twinkle in his eye. I will not look at that Rotary Beef BBQ without remembering JD; which is why the Squamish Days Committee has decided to officially rename the burger the “J-DEEZ Beef in a Bun”. We also lost an important member of our Loggers Sports Grounds Crew, Dennis Leski. For Dennis, Loggers Sports was a family affair – his father and mother were timers, his brothers and son all joined him on the grounds crew.
Letter from Bryan Couture, continued from previous page
Dennis’ presence will be sorely missed this year; over the past 17 years not one Loggers Sports Show has happened without Dennis’ smiling face and positive attitude. A face surely to be missed at our much loved Children’s Sports event will be Mike Robinson, who passed away suddenly last November. Mike was eager to get involved and he was full of ideas and enthusiasm. Mike emceed the event for the past two years; he was a hit with the kids and helped make the event special. And even as this publication was being created, the irreplaceable Bill Fairhurst lost his fight with cancer and passed away on June 4 (see article on page 7). Several more of our amazing volunteers have now started to retire. Evelyn Carson, Hal Hughson, Kathy Karwatski, Corinne Lonsdale, Nancy McCartney, Ron McLeod, and Jan Roberts have all retired over the past 5 years, and together have a combined total of over 140 years of service to Squamish Days. We are so fortunate to have people in our community that are that dedicated to a cause or organization, and for that length of time. Of course Squamish Days is always looking to add new volunteers to our family. We recognize that not everyone can give years of service, but if you have even a few hours of time to give we would welcome your enthusiasm, creativity, or good old fashioned hard work! Visit our website www.squamishdays.ca to find out how you can get involved.
Of course Squamish Days is always looking to add new volunteers to our family. As the Squamish Days Festival celebrates its 55th anniversary, we all should be reminded of the Pioneers and Volunteers who took time from their busy lives to make the Squamish Days Festival a community celebration both past and present. Over the years, the Squamish Days Festival has grown to include an entire long weekend worth of events, including two world-class Loggers Sports Shows, music & art events, children’s activities, chainsaw chair carving, axe throw invitational, a parade, wacky bed races, bingo, a classic car show and shine, a 10 km run, and a pancake breakfast. I warmly welcome you to Squamish and the Squamish Days Festival and I encourage you to take time to explore and experience all that Squamish has to offer – our shops, restaurants, our great outdoors, and our hospitality. We thank you for your support and hope you’ll join us again for years to come. Bryan Couture President, Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association
2012 Squamish Days Loggers Sports Committee Bryan Couture Amy Fast Marika Maki Ali Hunter Debbie Patterson Tina McKay Peter Harris Harold Wilson Ben Tuck Shanda Dosanjh Alma Lewis Brian Finley Cory Archibald
President Vice-president & Marketing Treasurer & Sponsorship Secretary Director & Show Secretary Director & Souvenirs Director & Elks Breakfast Director & Security Bed Races Children’s Sports 10 K Run Rotary BBQ Volunteer & Competitors Dinner
Dave Gillis Ian Hanlon Jack Fowler Jacqulin McNicol John Hurford Krisztina Egyed Nancy Collings Pat Couture Roz Matthews Scott McQuade Shelley Kion Serena Karwatski
Parade Parade Championship Chair Carve Logging Show Co-Chair Logging Show Chair Art Exhibit Legion Bingo VIP Lounge & Ground Rentals Concessions Beer Gardens Concessions Timers
Welcome
Message from the Mayor On behalf of Members of Council of the District of Squamish, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the 55th Annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival. The Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival is an action-packed event for the whole family. Competitors from around the world compete in Loggers Sports events and Squamish’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit is showcased in music and art events, children’s activities, a parade, bed races, a 10K run, and a pancake breakfast. Council recognizes the dedication of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Committee and the many volunteers who work together to ensure the success of this annual event. On behalf of the Council of the District of Squamish, we look forward to greeting all of you this year at the 2012 Squamish Days Loggers Sports weekend.
GOOD LUCK! LOGGERS SPORTS PARTICIPANTS
Mayor Rob Kirkham District of Squamish
www.bostonpizza.com Thank You! Goodwin Studios would like to thank the following awesome people for their help with this year’s issue of the Spar Tree: Eric Andersen for historical ideas and photos; Double-Shutter Images for many of the photos featured in this magazine; Bryan Raiser and Dawn Green for their great journalism; Cathie Greenlees & Christine Bennett for their help managing the project and making it work.
John DRENKA by Bryan Raiser Every town has them. They were here before you and they have stories that will amaze, stories that will leave you in stitches, and more than a few stories that would land people in a heap of trouble. They’re the pioneers, the old boys, and they’re most certainly legends. In Squamish one of the granddaddy legends was John Drenka (AKA: JD). Last year, shortly before his passing, the Squamish Historical Society (SHS) celebrated their fifth year by hosting the world film premier of The Legend of John Drenka. To hear the story of JD is to pretty much hear a large portion of the modern era truck logging industry story in Squamish. JD was logging here with trucks before the railway loggers left town. He followed the industry and was keen on being an innovator, always trying new things. His company, Squamish Mills, was one of the first local firms to use helicopter logging. With such boom times he was also pivotal as an organizer helping to build the Rotary Club, the first swimming pool, curling rink, golf club and even Alice Lake Park. The swimming pool was quite a big deal after several high school students drowned in a canoeing incident. It was apparent that a place was desperately needed for children to learn to swim – thus began the community pool. JD also had his share of firsts in the Logging industry including the first steel spar tree in the valley (‘Burrard Tower’), and the first telescoping steel tower (Sparmatic). Then there was the Marion shovel fitted with a grapple Continued on next page
JOHN DRENKA Continued from previous page
and converted to a log loader, and he was one of the first to experiment with the ‘Skyhook’ self-propelled aerial logging tractor in 1948. And since it’s Squamish Days Loggers Sports weekend it would be irresponsible not to mention perhaps JD’s most mouth watering contribution to society – the beef barbecue sandwich that has become the nutritional cornerstone to every August long weekend.
Pioneers & volunteers by Dawn Green
Squamish Days would simply not exist were it not for the tireless efforts of the early pioneers of the festival in the 1950s and the tremendous efforts of volunteers over the years. To acknowledge a few of these special people, we spoke to two pioneers who helped set up Squamish Days and two volunteers with many years experience in lending a hand at the event.
He was a doer, a driver, and a hard worker who didn’t retire from the office and active management of his companies until into his 95th year.
PIONEERS
As such, at the end of the day it is quite a testament to his life that Squamish Mills and Howe Sound Timber continue to exist. This is doubly impressive when you think of the companies they outlived including Empire Mills, Weldwood, MacMillan Bloedel, and Interfor.
What were the early days like? There were half a dozen guys in the early 50s who thought it would be a good idea to have loggers sports. And the next thing we knew more people got interested so in 1956 we held a small event amongst ourselves. And then some of the logging companies came on board, and we got enough money to build some stands where Capilano College is now. We held the loggers sports festival there for 25 years. Then the new grounds were built and we’ve been growing from there.
This weekend, while you’re taking in all the loggers sports action take a moment and tip your hat to the men and women who made this place what it is. Then take a bite of that Rotary beef barbecue and realize, this place is delicious.
Al McIntosh: 50 years with Squamish Days
I was involved with the show from the start. I was chairman for four years and the show chairman for many years as well as the MC. In 1958 we put on three shows – a water show, a horse show and a logging show. I’ll tell ya - that was one busy year! Al Hendrickson was the MC back then and he convinced me to come up in the booth with him and I would do the advertisements and he would do the commentary and then he slipped the mike over to me and I said, “You know it’s about time we went down to the field with the mike instead of being up in this booth.” So that’s what we did. Favourite memory? I worked with Paul Mackenzie the clown – he and I used to have lots of laughs. I was his sidekick and we’d both try to get each other laughing. What makes Squamish Days special? There are so many volunteers to help make it a success. And once the road was put in during the 1950s, we started getting competitors from all over the world.
AL MCINTOSH
BRUCE CARSON
Pioneers & volunteers Continued from previous page
Bruce (Bup) Carson What were the early days like? I was involved with Squamish Days for the first 17 years. I was a competitor for a number of years in splicing and chopping and a little bit of climbing. We worked in the industry and that’s what it was – people who worked in the industry were the competitors and later other people took it up as a sport. When we were competing, we were competing at things that we did at work on a daily basis. I also volunteered with setting up the grounds and getting the logs ready. Favourite memory? Logger sports was party time! We didn’t have any refrigeration – had some beer in a sack in a creek and after the logger sports festival, we were going to have a party at our house and our sack of beer had disappeared. One of fellows working the grounds said, ‘Oh I think I know where it is,’ and he went and it was his nephew that stole it and he knew darn well where it was so we got our beer back. There was always a party at the Carson residence for the competitors and officials after Loggers Sports. What makes Squamish Days special? The unique part of it now is that it continues. There are so many logging shows that have stopped. In the day we tried to do things differently – we had two spar trees for climbing instead of one so you could see two competitors climbing against one another. That was for the benefit for the audience. The Halvorsons and the Dickies started what is a common sport now – the obstacle pole bucking. Squamish Days was the first show to incorporate that event.
VOLUNTEERS AT THE LOGGERS SPORTS SHOW
LONG TIME VOLUNTEERS Nancy McCartney How many years volunteering? 30 odd years but that’s not unusual for many of the people involved with logger sports. I got involved because it was a community festival and my friends were involved. Today it is a great organization and it was back then as well. When you’ve been involved for a long time you’ve done most everything. I did programs, finance, and co-chaired president one year (with Evelyn Carson). You step in and do it if need be. Favourite memory? Oh dear, it all kind of blends together. I think the 50th anniversary was a favourite. That was a big deal – a lot of people came back for it and we did some special things. We did the history of Squamish Days and that was so interesting and we brought back the truck rodeo for truckers. What makes Squamish Days special? Community involvement definitely - the organizing committee, the sponsors, the competitors. Some of the competitors have competed through several generations. They come as a family. One family had three generations competing at the 50th Anniversary. Another thing that is special is the way it has evolved over the years. Events have come and gone but the bones of it has stayed the same – it is very popular and it works. When the road washed out four or five years ago, it happened the day before Squamish Days weekend. Everyone from town came out and it was a very successful event. It was amazing how many competitors got here. They came by water taxis, back roads - the band arrived by boat. That’s one thing about Squamish Days, it always works out. Nobody ever gives up – if there’s a problem, you find a way to do it.
Gary Hendrickson How many years volunteering? I retired last year, 51 years... right from day one till last year for the whole duration. I competed in the very first one and my dad, Al Hendrickson, is one of the main originators for the show. I ran the grounds crew for many years, and then my son took over from me. We made sure all the wood was in place and cleaned up the arena. I continue to blow the top of the tree to open the show – I have been doing it for 40 years. My dad came up with the idea. You could always tell when it was 1 pm on festival weekend as you could hear the blast all over the valley. Favourite memory? About 15 years ago, maybe 20, when we were known for using a lot of explosives up the tree, I loaded this one particular tree. This was before we were raising them like we do now. When it blew, the stands were packed and one of the chips from the tree flew right into the crowd and it hit this fella from England, just on the cheek. I was quite concerned so I went up into the stands where there was a group from Britain, and I said to the man, I am very sorry and what can I do for him? He said, “Oh, you can’t do anything, this was just a wonderful thing that happened to me, and I would like to keep this piece of chip that hit me and take it home!” What makes Squamish Days special? I think the volunteers. You need so many of them in all the different aspects of the show. And the Squamish people themselves – as we get more new people to town they come out and support their town that is what really makes it.
Bill Fairhurst An irreplaceable icon by Dawn Green Bill Fairhurst is “irreplaceable,” laments Bryan Couture, President of Squamish Days Logger Sports. Bill put in many years of service to Squamish Days following his retirement from Empire Sawmill; he had finished working for a living but still wanted to give back to the community. Bill came on board and started organizing right away. He took over an unused building and soon after it became “Bill’s Shop”. Inside, Bill had items organized meticulously, ensuring it was easy year after year to locate anything. “He was quite regimented on how he made things work, we appreciate how he made everything happen, making it easier for everybody,” said Bryan. Bill was self-motivated and when he discovered something that needed repairing, he would fix it right up. “Once he learned what had to happen each year, he did it,” explains Couture. “He saved us lots of work. We knew that things would be done right.” Bill was a problem solver. Pat Couture recalls the amazing work Bill did to help the Squamish Days recycling program and when there was a need for fencing around the beer gardens, Bill and Todd from AJ Forest Products sat around the fire pit and planned; shortly after, pallets of wood arrived and now there is a beautiful fence. Always looking for ways to enhance the festival, Bill, along with John Hurford, came up with the idea to use a giant sling shot to shoot t-shirts into the crowd. It was constructed from a perfect tree they located with a Y-shape and with the addition of rubber tubing, it was placed on wheelbarrow wheels and became an instant hit. A bonus for Squamish Days came in the form of Bill’s wife, Florence. She would come down to the grounds to check on him and bring his grandsons to visit. As a bit of a “clean freak”, Florence was soon on hand to help keep everything ship shape. Bill loved the grounds; he would be there when no one else was there, driving a few golf balls while checking the grounds for holes. “It was like Bill’s place there,” Pat said. This June, Bill passed away after a battle with cancer. He leaves his wife Florence, daughters Denise, Patricia and Michelle and 5 much loved grandchildren.
Thank You Sponsors
Squamish Days Loggers Sports SPONSOR OF THE YEAR Cardinal Concrete Ltd High-Rigger A.J. Forest Products Advance Heavy Duty Repair Chances Squamish JR Transport Sqomish Forestry Turning Point Brewing Company West Coast Logging Shows
Thank You
Service Clubs of Squamish The Squamish Days Loggers Sports Committee would like to thank the service clubs of Squamish, and their volunteers, for helping to create another fantastic festival weekend.
Squamish Lions Club Mike Jenson | 604 815 5075 Howe Sound Curling Club Hal Hughson | www.howesoundcurl.com Rotary Club Of Squamish Denise Imbeau - President | squamishrotary.com Squamish Valley Equestrian Association Shelley Kion | www.svea.ca Elks Lodge #119 (B.P.O.E ) 604-898-9366 | Peter Harris | www.elks-canada.org Royal Canadian Marine - Search & Rescue (Station 4 Squamish) Ron Drewry | Ron@drewry.ca | 604-892-7775 Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 - Squamish | 604-898-9368 rcl277@direct.ca | Sandy Seright
Bull Bucker Blackmount Logging Inc. Cardinal Concrete Ltd. Cloverdale Paint Finning Kelly Jian Contracting Rental Network Scotties Liquor Sotre, Hotel Squamish and Ruddy Duck Bar Skytech Yarding Ltd Hook-Tender Century Signs Chef Big D’s Kal Tire Kevin Knox L&A Equipment McDonald’s Restaurant of Canada Miller Capilano NRB Holdings/Norm Barr Pepe & Gringos Rona Revy Inc. Save on Foods Sea to Sky Ford Sales Squamish Station Shopping Centre Squamish Toyota Timberwolf West-Barr Contracting Rigging Slinger Alpine Paving Channel Fabricating Ltd. District of Squamish Duncan Auto Body Greg Gardner Motors Guardian Engraving Howe Sound Taxi Husqvarna Canada JKC Fraser, Chartered Accountant Mark’s Mountain FM Race & Company RBC Royal Bank Royal Canadian Legion Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty Running Room Sandman Hotel & Suites
Rigging Slinger Sea to Sky Hotel Solutions Pest Control Squamish Mills Ltd. Squamish Tugboat Co. (1972) Ltd. The Squamish Chief Triton Steel (UAP) Westland Insurance Group Westward Sales Chokerman A&B Gem Jewellers Ltd. Arctic Power Aspen Fuel Best Western Mountain Retreat Canadian Tire Carney’s Waste Systems Diamond Head Motors Ltd. John Ross Insurance Services M&M Meats Ok Tire On Side Restoration Services Ltd. Pearson Financial Red Bench Diner Rural Construction Signal Systems Squamish Chamber of Commerce Squamish Firefighters Squamish Terminals Ltd. Squamish Truck and Trailer Ltd. Squamish Valley Golf Club The Question White Spot Chaser Bill & Ailsa Siemens Donna McMurtry Echoflex Executive Inn Goodwin Studios Home Depot Naked Lunch Catering Company Progressive Pilates Scotiabank Shannon Falls - Retirement Residence Silverfoot Squamish Dental Clinic Squamish Emergency Program Tantalus Bike Shop Test of Metal Training Innovations Tumblewoods Xocolatl
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: DOUBLE-SHUTTER IMAGES
Map Key Match the dots
Hot on Your Heels Bottom of Half Nelson Saturday. 9:00 am.
‘Into The Woods’ Art Showcase SAC Building, Opens Thurs, 7:00 pm
Children’s Sports Stan Clarke Park, Saturday, 9:30 am
World Championship Chair Carve Squamish Station, Friday 3:00 pm
Squamish Days Giant Bingo Brennan Park Gym, Saturday, 6:45 pm
Squamish Days Bed Races Cleveland Ave, Friday, 7:00 pm
3rd Annual Squamish Days Axe Throw Invitational Chances Squamish, Saturday, 6:00 pm Lumberjack Stomp Live Music Chances The Rock Bar & Grill, Saturday. 9:00 pm
Chances Squamish
SQUAMISH DAYS SOUVENIR BOO Information & Ticket Sales
FIELDS PARKING LOT • Monday, July 30 - Thursday, Au • Friday, Aug 3 ~ 11:00 am - 9:0
LOGGERS SPORTS GROUNDS Saturday & Sunday 12:00 - 5:0 • Satu
Elks and Lions Loggers’ Breakfast Chieftain Centre, Sunday, 7:00 - 11:00 am Squamish Day’s 10K Run & Flashback Mile Howe Sound School, Sunday, 8:25 am Squamish Day’s Festival Parade Cleveland Ave. Sunday, 11:00 am Squamish Classic Car Show & SHine Cleveland Ave. Monday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Running 5K North
Rotary Beef Barbecue Loggers Sports Ground, during the shows Bike Valet Loggers Sports Ground, during the shows
Running 5K South
Please leave your dogs and coolers at home. Food and Beer Gardens open during the shows.
OTH
ug 2 ~ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 00 pm
00 pm
LOGGERS SPORTS COMPETITION Novice & Intermediate, Saturday 1:30 pm World Class Open Championship Sunday, 1:30 pm
MAP © 2012 Goodwin Studios. All rights reserved.
www.squamishdays.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: DOUBLE-SHUTTER IMAGES
Festival Schedule of Events Thursday August 2, 2012
SATURDAY August 4, 2012
“INTO THE WOODS” ART EXHIBIT & OPENING PARTY Sponsored by Squamish Arts Council (SAC) 7:00 - 9:00 pm. SAC Building, Pavillion Park
CHILDREN’S SPORTS Sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurant, Squamish Terminals Ltd., and Squamish Dental 9:30 am. Stan Clarke Park, Downtown Squamish
Into the Woods is a multi-disciplinary art exhibit celebrating our local Squamish culture, featuring both the natural forest world and also our logging heritage. Opening Party is Thursday Night but the exhibit continues Saturdays 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Friday August 3, 2012 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHAIR CARVE Sponsored by Squamish Station Shopping Ctr & Merchants 3:00 - 5:30 pm. Squamish Station Mall A chair carving contest unique to Squamish in which chairs of all shapes and sizes are carved out of logs using chainsaws. Judging and auctioning of chairs takes place at approximately 5:00 pm, with all proceeds going to Big Brothers & Big Sisters Squamish. SQUAMISH DAYS BED RACES Sponsored by Chef Big D’s 7:00 pm. Cleveland Ave, Downtown Squamish A bed on wheels, a 5-person team and a hilarious 2-block course filled with obstacles and challenges. It’s wacky! Come out and cheer or put together a team of your own. Beds are provided by organizers.
Something just for the kids! Games, races, a decorated bicycle, wheelchair, or stroller parade, plus many entertainers and other activities for kids of all ages. HOT ON YOUR HEELS LADIES ONLY BIKE RACE Sponsored by SORCA, Everyone welcome . www.sorca.ca 10:00am. $50 entry. Bottom of Half Nelson trail. After Party hosted by the Living Room Restaurant NOVICE & INTERMEDIATE LOGGERS SPORTS. Sponsored by Sqomish Forestry 1:30 pm. Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds. Please leave your dogs and coolers at home. Adults $2. Seniors and Kids under 12 $1. Partial proceeds go to selected charities. This show is fun and gives competitors a chance to get started in loggers sports, improve and move up the ranks. Bike Valet during show! SQUAMISH DAYS GIANT BINGO Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion and Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association 6:45 pm. Brennan Park Recreation Centre Auditorium. Ready, Set, BINGO! Come on out for a night of bingo fun. Special prizes for seniors! Doors open at 5:30 pm. Must be 19+. SQUAMISH DAYS AXE THROW INVITATIONAL Sponsored by: Chances Squamish 6:00 pm . Chances Squamish Parking Lot Squamish Days Loggers Sports competitors have been invited to participate in this 3rd Annual event. The field is limited to 30 entrants, who will throw off for prizes and bragging rights. There will be a barbeque out front and all ages are welcome to watch.
The latest festival event updates can be found at:
www.squamishdays.ca
LUMBERJACK STOMP - LIVE MUSIC 9:00 pm - 2:00 am. The Rock Bar & Grill @ Chances Squamish Live music following the Axe Throw Competition. Free shuttle service all weekend. Ph: 604-848-5732.
Festival Schedule of Events SUNDAY August 5, 2012 ELKS & LIONS LOGGERS BREAKFAST 7:00 -11:00 am. Chieftain Centre, Downtown Squamish Adults $8.00. Seniors & Children under 12 $6.00. Children 5 and under are FREE! EARLY BIRD PRICE until 8:30 am only $6.00 per person! Bring your family, meet your friends and start the day with a hearty logger-style breakfast. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, milk or chocolate milk. Come early and beat the crowds. SQUAMISH DAYS 10K RUN & FLASHBACK MILE Sponsored by Race & Company, A&B Gem Jewellers, Pearson Financial Services, and Save-On Foods Howe Sound Secondary School (Start & Finish) Registration Open 6:30 - 8:00 am. Race Start Time 8:25 am. Includes Wheel Chair and Stroller Categories. Post race includes draw prizes, awards and refreshments. For information goto www.squamishdays.ca SQUAMISH DAYS FESTIVAL PARADE Sponsored by Chances Squamish. Presented by Royal Canadian Marine-Search and Rescue (Station 4 Squamish). 11:00 am. Along Cleveland Avenue, Downtown Squamish Always a family favourite, the parade will begin at Vancouver Street, travel up Cleveland Avenue and end at the Bank of Montreal. Bring the family and enjoy the fun! Please keep in mind pets are sometimes spooked by sirens and musical instruments and may be more comfortable at home. WORLD-CLASS OPEN LOGGERS SPORTS SHOW Presented by JR Transport Ltd. & Advance Heavy Duty Repair 1:30 pm SHARP - Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds Please leave your dogs and coolers at home. Adults $10.00 - Seniors & Children under 12 $5.00 JR Transport & Advance Heavy Duty Repair proudly present the World-Class Open Loggers Sports Show. Come share the excitement. You will be thrilled with the action, excitement and entertainment. See page 14 for detailed descriptions of the loggers sports events. Bike Valet during show!
MONDAY August 5, 2012 SQUAMISH CLASSICS SHOW ‘N’ SHINE Presented by the Squamish Classics Car Club 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Cleveland Ave. Car Entry $10. You’re invited to view the cards and vote for your favourite!
ROTARY BEEF BARBECUE Try the J-DEEZ Beef in a Bun! At the grounds Saturday & Sunday during the show. The beef barbecue has been a Squamish Days tradition for over 50 years. The meat is slowly cooked over a bed of alders and is always a crowd favourite.
Climb Top Chop Choke Buck and Throw Loggers sports competitions are true sporting events requiring strength, skill and stamina. The participants, like any athletes, must train and work diligently to reach the level of skill required to win any of the events. Cash prizes are awarded to the top competitors in each event. Each participant competes in one of three classes: novice, intermediate or open. Two victories move a competitor up to the next class.
Tree Climbing Considered one of the most strenuous and physically demanding of the events, tree climbers must ascend an 80-foot tree which tapers off at the top, and fly back down again before their competitor. Because of the size difference in the pole from bottom to top, adjustments to the climber’s rope are made throughout the two-way climb. A lightning-fast thirty seconds is all it takes for top competitors to finish this exciting event. Open climbers ascend to the top; however, the competition is made a little easier for intermediate and novice classes to encourage as much participation as possible. Intermediates climb to the 60-foot mark and back down. Novice climbers also go to the 60-foot mark, but the trip back down is not timed. Open Climb - 80’ both ways Robbie Carroll Memorial Trophy. Sponsored by West Barr & NRB Holdings / Norm Barr 2011: 1. Brian Bartow, Canby, OR 0:19:06 Novice Climb - 60’ one way Burt Wray Memorial Trophy. Sponsored by L & A Equipment 2011: 1. Dan Horsman, Sedro Woolley, WA 0:14:95
Tree Topping Tree topping is one of the many dangerous and exciting events in loggers sports. This timed event starts as an 80-foot tree climb and when the competitors reach the top they must adjust their equipment and complete a single buck through a log mounted at the top of the tree. Their time stops when the round of wood hits the ground. Open Tree Topping World Championship Chris Arnet Memorial Trophy. Sponsored by AJ Forest Products 2011: 1. Brian Bartow, Canby, OR 0:58:50
the Loggers SportS SHOW
Climb Top Chop Choke Buck and Throw Birling A definite crowd favourite, birling (also known as log rolling) is the event everyone knows about without ever having gone to a loggers sports show. Both men and women compete in this exciting competition where two people battle it out while keeping their balance rolling on a 15-inch diameter log in a pond of water. The winner of a match is the person who manages to force the other competitor off balance causing him or her to fall into the water. With a two-minute time limit for each match, the winner is determined by whoever wins two out of three matches. The match starts with birling on a 15-inch log and if no one wins after two minutes then a 13-inch log is used. If the match continues with no winner, once again the log is replaced with an even smaller 12-inch log. Open Birling Sponsored by Blackmount Logging 2011: 1. Brian Bartow, Canby, OR Novice Birling Sponsored by Sea to Sky Ford 2011: 1. Ed Campbell, Richmond BC
Chokerman’s Race In a head to head battle, two contestants race across logs secured in the birling pond carrying a 34-kilogram, eight-metre-long standard rigging choker; and this is just the start. Once clear of the frigid waters they must jump across two log obstacles and tie the choker to a dummy pole, and then they are required to dash back to where they started to end the race in the midst of laughter and cheers from the audience. Open Chokerman’s Race Sponsored by Rona 2011: 1. Brian Bartow, Canby, OR
0:24:64
Novice Chokerman’s Race Sponsored by Howe Sound Taxi 2011: 1. Jessie Bifano, Squamish BC
0:26:26
Climb Top Chop Choke Buck and Throw Axe Throwing Bull’s eye is the name of the game. Contestants throw a double-bladed axe at a 36-inch target sitting five feet off the ground. Each contestant stands 20 feet from the target and gets four throws - one for practice and three to total their score. A bull’s eye is worth five points with the remaining rings decreasing in value to a single point. Any part of the axe stuck in the target counts, as long as it sticks. Open Axe Throw Sponsored by JKC Fraser, Chartered Accountant 2011: 1. Mitch Hewitt, Chase, BC Novice Axe Throw Sponsored by Westward Sales 2011: 1. Trebb Rainey, Lynden WA
Underhand Chop Strength is a must in this event although technique usually determines the winner. Footholds are cut on an anchored block where contestants must chop halfway through the block they are standing on and turn around to complete the chop from the other side. Open Underhand Chop Wood Type: 13” Alder Block Sponsored by Kelly Jian Contracting 2011: 1. Rob Waibel, West Linn, OR 0:22:03 Intermediate Underhand Chop Wood Type: 11” Alder Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank 2011: 1. Brandon Hintz, Seabeck, WA 0:30:05 Novice Underhand Chop Wood type: 11” Alder Sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 277 2011: 1. Nick Van Brocklin, Lynden, WA 0:24:90
Climb Top Chop Choke Buck and Throw Springboard Chop Competitors cut two staggered springboard notches in one side of a tree. Once the boards have been inserted, the entrants climb to the top board and chop halfway through the tree. Once completed, they return to the ground only to start up the other side of the tree to complete the cut. Intermediate and Novice competitors are only required to use two boards, going up one side of the tree. Open Spring Board Chop World Championships Sponsored by Westland Insurance Wood Type: 11” Alder Block 2011: 1. Mitch Hewitt, Chase BC 1:24:29
Butcher Block Chop New for 2012! Teams of only two competitors take turns chopping through a massive block of cottonwood. Not only must they be fast, they also have to be accurate - each competitor must take a minimum of six swings but no more than 10 to get through the log in the shortest time possible.
Intermediate Spring Board Chop Sponsored by Squamish Tugboat Co. Wood Type : 10” Alder. 2 boards, high one side. 2011: 1. Lukas Brown-John, Williams Lake, BC
Open Standing 3-Man Butcher Block Chop World Championship Wood Type: 25” Cottonwood Sponsored by Cloverdale Paint Inc. 2011: 1. Mitch Hewitt, Chase BC; Kerry Hewitt, Queensland, AU; Karl Bischoff, Celista, BC 2:44:75
A 20-inch log needs to be cut right through in the shortest time possible in this event. Sweat, speed and strength are what it takes to win here. There are single hand bucking, double bucking, and the Jill and Jill competitions. Crosscut saws are used to avoid buckling or sticking. Also, crucial to the athletes, is a coach/oiler/wedge handler who helps the speed by squirting lubricant onto the saw.
Obstacle Pole Bucking Skill and stamina are what it takes to win this event, which originated in Squamish. Contestants must run along an eight-inch diameter alder pole fixed at an angle. Once at the end of the pole, they must start their saws and cut off the end of the alder log, then run back to where they started. This is a timed event and takes about 12 to 14 seconds to complete. Penalties are incurred if the log is not cut at exactly the right point. Obstacle Pole Bucking came into being only once chainsaws began to be used.
1:47:01
Hand Bucking
Wood Type: 15” Alder Open Jill & Jill Hand Bucking Sponsored by The Whistler Question 2011: 1. Sarah Mooney, Ucluelet, BC; Alora Paulsen, Spruce Grove, AB 0:15:83
Open Double Hand Bucking Wood Type: Douglas Fir Sponsored by Miller Capilano 2011: 1. Mike Forrester, Idleyld Park, OR; David Green, Sisters OR 0:19:82
Open Obstacle Pole Bucking Sponsored by Rental Network & Channel Fabricating Wood Type: 8” Alder Block 2011: 1. Dave MacLeod, Campbell River, BC 0:13:73
Intermediate Double Hand Bucking Wood Type: Douglas Fir Sponsored by Cardinal Concrete & Kal Tire 2011: 1. Nick Van Brocklin, Lynden, WA: Dan Horsman, Sedro Woolley, WA 0:24:67
Intermediate Obstacle Pole Bucking Sponsored by Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty Wood Type: 8” Alder Block 2011: 1. Brandon Hintz, Seabeck, WA
Open Single Bucking Wood Type: Douglas Fir Sponsored by Finning 2011: 1. David Moses Jr, Snoqualmie, QA 0:39:21 0:16:13
Climb Top Chop Choke Buck and Throw Speed Bucking
Tree Falling
High performance saws, also known as “hot saws” are used for this loud event. Saws of 140 cc or less are used by Open class contestants who must cut a large block with two cuts, one from above and one from below. The Douglas fir, 20 to 22 inches in diameter, is mounted horizontally ready for cutting. The saws must have single-cylinder engines and be started manually. Modifications are allowed to be made to the “hot saws” but must follow certain regulations. Novice contestants take part in this extremely exciting event as well, but have a 15-inch diameter log and must use a regular saw of 100 cc or less. Three cuts are made - one down, one up and one down again.
The power saw tree falling event is unique to the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Show. Competitors must draw for a position in this event with only 20 trees available. Competitors race to the base of their tree to start their saws and begin their cut. Both speed and accuracy are important since competitors must not only down the tree the fastest, but also hit a marked peg.
Open Speed Bucking Sponsored by Skytech Yarding Ltd.
Open Powersaw Tree Falling Jay Carrat Memorial Trophy. Sponsored by Sqomish Forestry 2011: 1. Karl Bischoff, Celista BC 0:25:94
Ladies Triple
2011: 1. Carson Bischoff, Celista, BC
0:13:39
Novice Stock Appearing Powersaw Race Eric Hansen Memorial Trophy. Sponsored by Skytech Yarding Ltd. 2011: 1. Scott Thompson, Surrey BC
The Ladies Triple is another event unique to Squamish. Female competitors must compete in the Axe Throw, Choker Race, and Single Buck to qualify in this event. Points are given for each event and the competitor with the highest score is the champion.
0:12:58
Sponsored by West Coast Logging Shows & Century Signs 2011: 1. Jacqulin McNicol, Squamish BC
Wood Type: Douglas fir. 2 cuts: 1 up, 1 down, Open Saws
Standing Block Chop
Team Relay
In the Standing Block Chop the block is vertical in a stand. Competitors will chop halfway through the front of the block, then turn and finish chopping through from the back side.
The Team Relay is a fun final event held at both the Loggers Sports Shows. Two teams of 6 (5 men and 1 woman) compete head to head in a variety of events. Each year the judges create a new and exciting relay course so make sure you stay for the action.
Novice Standing Block Chop Sponsored by Greg Gardner Motors Ltd. Wood Type: 10” Alder
2011: 1. Trebb Rainey, Lynden, WA
0:23:10
Open Team Relay Sponsored by Squamish Toyota Novice Intermediate Team Relay Sponsored by Squamish Chief TREE ACT SPONSORS Saturday - Finning Sunday - Ruddy Duck Bar SPECIAL THANKS TO MERRILL & RING for supplying all the chopping wood for this weekend’s events! COMPLETE LOGGERS SPORTS RESULTS can be found on the website at www.squamishdays.ca
Real Squamish Loggers Don’t Wear Toques by Bryan Raiser As the saying goes, “the clothes make the man”. And that is doubly true for the men who first pioneered our forest industry. Another truth is that you need the right tools for the job and when you are taking down an ancient rainforest on the side of a mountain you better be ready for the wet and it doesn’t get much wetter than Squamish. Recently however people have been wondering about clothing ever since that forty-foot logger popped onto the highway welcoming visitors to our great town. Now as far as giant highway mascots go Sam the Axe man is pretty good quality. More than a few however have also noted that Sam is most certainly not a “Squamish” logger. While some would argue that the rugged handsomeness is applicable, the controversy mostly lies with the what’s at the top – a toque.
LOGGING JOKES: Know any? • I used to be a lumberjack, but I couldn’t cut it. So they gave me the axe. • What’s a lumberjack’s favorite sushi? The log roll! • What month do trees hate the most? SepTIMBERRRRRR.
The toque is certainly part of logging culture in colder climates like the interior of British Columbia or Eastern Canada. However Squamish gear is all about the raingear. Most action in this neck of the woods takes place in the rainy season because when it starts snowing on the side of a mountain it’s simply not practical to be out logging. As such Squamish loggers were more than not found with ‘bone-dry hats’ or ‘tin hats’. They were oiled, got hard and maintained their shape. Then there were the canvas pants that were also oiled to keep the water out. They were so rigid that at the end of the day they would just stand on their own.
Happy 100th Birthday
BC Forest Service 2012 marks the Centenary of the BC Forest Service. For 100 years the agency has managed and protected our forest and rangeland ecosystems, generated wealth for the province and stimulated local economic activity. It has been tightly woven into the social fabric of BC and 2012 is a time for us to celebrate their past accomplishments and bridge to the future. Visit the Forest Service’s Centenary website to find stories and pictures about the history, the people and the places as well as a calendar of events. Join the BC Forest Service as they celebrate their 100th birthday. Be sure to check the Squamish Days website for the latest information and festival updates
www.bcfs100.ca
www.squamishdays.ca
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GOOD LUCK LOGGERS SPORTS COMPETITIORS from Squamish Events Guide Find all the best events online at squamisheventsguide.com | whistlereventsguide.com