2021 Loggerodeo

0 2 2 , 1 4 y July 1 - Jul

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American, Courier-Times and Concrete Herald

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Contents President’s Letter..................................................... Pg. 4 Mayor’s Letter.......................................................... Pg. 5 History of Loggerodeo™......................................... Pg. 6-9 LOGGERODEO™ is the trademark of the Loggerodeo. All rights reserved.

Events....................................................................... Pg. 10-17, 21-22 Event Schedule........................................................ Pg. 18 Thanks to our many Sponsors.............................. Pg. 19 Map of Sedro-Woolley........................................... Pg. 20 Meet the Carvers.................................................... Pg. 24-32 Sedro-Woolley Museum........................................ Pg. 33-34

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Letter from Loggerodeo™ President, Dottie Chandler:

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can hardly believe 2021 is already here; the last year came and went with much disappointment. We missed celebrating with you and can’t wait to get back to it this year, even though it will look a little different. This year we have four days of Loggerodeo™ from July 1-4, kicking off with the Chainsaw Carving Competition and the Decorated House and Business Judging and wrapping up with our fireworks display on July Fourth. This year’s fireworks will be bigger than before!

Sedro-Woolley is still growing with more apartment buildings, businesses and a new grocery store. Come visit and shop at our old and new businesses! This is a great time to support local. We encourage you to revisit the Sedro-Woolley Museum; the team has revamped every display and added great pieces from the old library to the entryway.

This year we will have 14 main competition carvers at the Chainsaw Carving Championship. This will be the 25th year of the Chainsaw Carving Competition and we have scaled down the number of carvers to provide more room to accommodate the Covid restrictions set by the state. The event will be fenced in this year and only a certain number of people will be allowed in at a time. Masks will be required by all participants and spectators.

The design for the staff and carver T-shirts as well as the award plaques for the Chainsaw Carving Championship was created by Isabelle Smiley.

We want to thank all of the sponsors who give to make this family fun event possible. Thanks to all of the volunteers, board members and their family members who help make this festival a success. I very much appreciate them for all their hard work. This year’s board members are Tonia Smiley, Rose Torset, Bonnie Irish, Lisa Castilleja, Amanda Brown, Sandy Justice, Bonnie Irish, Nick Bates, Jim McMullen, Paul Chandler, Mike Phillips, George Kenny and myself.

After careful consideration with Sedro-Woolley mayor, we are planning to comply with all government recommendations to keep everyone safe, which means no parades or carnival. We appreciate your help in following guidelines so that we can get back to a more “normal” festival, hopefully next year.

Dottie Chandler, Loggerodeo™ president

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Welcome to Sedro-Woolley: Gateway City to the North Cascades

and longest running Loggerodeo™ celebration in the State of Washington.

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he 4th of July has been celebrated in Sedro-Woolley for what will be 122 years. From chainsaw carving to the carnival to the parade and

climatic fireworks, Loggerodeo™ offers something for everyone. But last year we experienced a year quite unlike any other. Along with all other cities in Skagit County, we were mandated to cancel all events. This year will also be different, however the Loggerodeo™ Committee and Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce have worked to creatively provide a few of our traditional 4th of July activities while staying COVID safe. So please pardon the limited activities that will also emphasize COVID practices.

While you are here be sure to check out our city parks, and if time permits, the National Parks, which are a short drive east on Hwy 20. The SWIFT Center has opened several trails that connect with Veterans Park on Helmick Road and offer miles of natural beauty to experience and enjoy with your family and pets. Willow Brook Manor offers bike tours that take you along the Cascade Trail and tour the marked historic sites after enjoying tea and scones, (full details on their website). There have been renovations to our Sedro-Woolley Museum, which provides a charming look back into our history. The newly refreshed displays will engage your imagination and curiosity. Not to be missed is our Central Business District, filled with unique stores and variety of restaurants that provide old-fashioned customer service while enjoying the unique Americana feel.

We hope you enjoy your stay with us, and we look forward to a return to normal activities come spring and summer of 2022. Until then, stay safe and have a wonderful 4th of July celebration.

Julia M. Johnson, Mayor of Sedro-Woolley

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History of the Loggerodeo™

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he World Famous Loggerodeo™ is Sedro-Woolley’s official Fourth of July celebration. It is the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the state.

Independence Day festivities have been running since 1886, stopping only because of Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. The event has long brought community members past and present back together; many old timers who have moved away make trips back to town to visit with friends and family and share in the celebration. Over the years, the festivities have varied in length; 2021 will run July 1 through July 4. This is good, old-fashioned family fun, and a beautiful way to honor Sedro-Woolley’s logging history and small-town community feel.

Loggerodeo™ president Dottie Chandler wishes to welcome the whole family and both new and old-timer 6 LOGGERODEO 2021

Sedro-Woolley residents to participate!

This year will look a little different because of Covid-19 restrictions, so please read over the event schedule. It would also be a good idea to check the Loggerodeo™ website and Facebook page closer to the event for any other cancelations.

Although the town of Sedro-Woolley was celebrating the Fourth of July long beforehand, 2021 marks the 72nd annual event called Loggerodeo™. The name Loggerodeo™ dates back to 1948 when John Conrad won a city-wide naming contest, sponsored by the returning World War II vets of the American Legion. He won a $25 cash prize. The year 1948 was special for the Loggerodeo™ as it was a merger of two celebrations that had often been run separately during the week of July 4: logging contests and a rodeo. Many old timers still say

that the 1948 event was the wildest Loggerodeo™ ever. A fireworks display was added along with the street dance in front of the Legion Hall on Murdock Street. The Ziegler Brothers Carnival had been introduced in 1946 and continued into 1948 and beyond. The year 1948 also marked the 50th anniversary of the merger of Sedro and Woolley towns, who had each previously had their own Independence Day celebrations.

The original Sedro-Woolley rodeo was held in 1914 and consisted of riding, racing and roping exhibitions; it attracted ten thousand people from all parts of the Pacific Northwest. The rodeo continued on an irregular schedule until 1934 when community members decided to restore it at the grounds on Polte Road. The Rodeo expanded into a two-day event in 1946 and included calf and trick roping; bronco, steer and bareback riding; and Skagit Publishing

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Each year the community comes together to vote who they think is the “Best of Skagit” in our annual community event.

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bulldogging. In that year, $1,500 in cash prizes was awarded, including $150 to the best all-around cowboy.

In 1948, the competitive logging events were expanded. Rules were codified for the Log Drive; originally nearly 12 feet long, the log was eventually standardized at eight feet with a 14-inch diameter. A crew would drop the log into the Skagit River from the Marblemount Bridge at 5 a.m. The log was then followed downriver by a motor boat to ensure that it wasn’t stolen. Rodeo queen candidates sold raffle tickets to local gamblers who were trying to guess how long the log would take to float down to its destination at the Clear Lake Bridge.

Depending on the depth of the river and obstructions in a given year, the trip varied 10 to 19 hours. For many years, a local radio station would announce updates on the log’s progress called in

by Don Collen who participated in the event in one way or another for decades starting in the early 1960s. He was the 8 LOGGERODEO 2021

Logging Show MC and a Log Show chairperson in the 1980s. The log drive ended in the 1990s.

Event organizers, volunteers and sponsors

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he Loggerodeo™ is run by an all-volunteer team headed up by President Dottie Chandler who took over five years ago. Tonia Smiley was nominated as the new Vice President for the 2020 season. Organizing the event is a 12-month commitment.

The Loggerodeo™ depends heavily on community support - both financial and participatory - to keep it going.

The festivities cost $60,000 to $80,000 to put on; paid for by personal and business donations and sponsorships, and money raised through the T-shirt sale and the Quick Carve auctions. The more T-shirts are sold and the more is bid on carvings; the more money is raised for the Loggerodeo™. The Sedro-

Woolley Carving Championships are known to carvers around the world.

Said Dottie, “Carvers from all over are always asking to carve at our event but it’s invitational only, allowing us to feature the best of the best.

We want to keep it in demand.” The event’s confirmed sponsors are Janicki Logging, Skagit Publishing, Skagit Media, Lemley Chapel, Bob Graham Trucking, Oliver-Hammer Clothes Shop, BYK Construction Inc. Skagit Farmers Supply, and Sierra Pacific.

Please check our Facebook and website for others who came in after publishing.

Please contact the Loggerodeo™ at sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@frontier.com or 360-770-8452 to get involved or make a donation.

Visit www.loggerodeo.org for application forms and drop them off at the Loggerodeo™ office at 727 Murdock St., Unit 3 or mail to P.O. Box 712, SedroWoolley, WA 98284. Historical details were found in the Skagit River Journal.

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Savi Branch Manager Lynette Gentry, manager of Concrete and Sedro Woolley.

Our mission is to bring long-term success to our clients and this community. It’s who we are down to the core. And it’s why we are proud to announce that Lynette Gentry, our Concrete Branch Manager since October, 2019, is now also our Sedro Woolley Branch Manager.

Help us congratulate Lynette on a well-deserved promotion.

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Bellingham 360.685.0080 1910 Broadway

Mount Vernon Blackburn 360.419.0300 208 E Blackburn, Suite 100

Sedro Woolley 360.755.3496 203 Ball Street

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Loggerodeo™ Events Loggerodeo™ contact information:

Website: www.loggerodeo.org E-mail: sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@ frontier.com Phone: 360-770-8452 Event applications can be found on loggerodeo.org under applications.

Two ways to turn them in: Mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 Drop them off at the Loggerodeo™ office: 727 Murdock St. Unit 3. (above the museum)

The official Loggerodeo™ T-shirt sale for $15 will be held July 1 through July 4 at the Chainsaw Carving Competition.

Check the Loggerodeo™ Facebook page

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or www.loggerodeo.org just in case of cancellation closer to the event.

The 2021 design for the staff and wood carver T-shirts as well as the award plaques for the Chainsaw Carving Championship was created by SedroWoolley High School 9th grader, Isabelle Smiley.

Davis Shows Northwest Carnival

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ue to Covid-19 restrictions, we will not be able to host the carnival this year. The Loggerodeo™ greatly values the relationship we have had with Davis Shows Northwest all these years and are very much looking forward to their return in 2022.

Davis Shows Northwest has an ideology that guides their business. They believe that “The ultimate carnival should be clean and wholesome, fun for the entire family-with something wonderful for everyone, young and old – no matter what income level. We bring this special experience to the people of your community - the highest quality carnival that has ever visited your event.” They aim to create “a spectacular experience of excitement for all; a place where people can enjoy themselves to the utmost”.

Davis Shows Northwest History:

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n 1947, Mannie and Melba Davis and Mannie’s parents, Joe and Martha

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Davis, leased five rides from an Eyerly ride manufacturer out of Salem, Oregon.

In the early years, the four Davis’ booked the equipment with other carnival operators at locations from California to Texas, operating as far south as the Mexican border. By 1950, the group had decided to purchase the five rides they had previously leased. At that time, they incorporated the business in their home state of Oregon and purchased property for winter-quarters in Portland.

Mannie and Melba expanded their route to encompass more of the Oregon festivals and fairs. At the end of their summer season, Mannie would work on the equipment and Melba would get winter work and do the booking for the show along with Martha’s help. Mannie and Melba had many independent attractions in their carnival. In the 1950s a cousin brought his elephant, Senita, on the road. The traveling show also

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included a wrestling sideshow, an aerial act and a gorilla show.

Many of the fairs and festivals that Melba booked back in the 1950s are still being played by the Davis Family, which speaks to the values and business practices established all those years ago.

Mannie and Melba’s two sons have continued in the industry. Michael Davis along with his wife, Cathy, and their family, owns and operates Davis Amusement Cascadia, Inc. The carnival plays over 60 dates including events in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Davis Amusement Cascadia, Inc. is now being operated by third and fourth generation Davis family members, with the fifth generation eager to continue in the family tradition. Visit http://www.davisshowsnw. com/ for more information.

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The Grand Parade

celebrating 83 years of service to their community this year. The Sedro-Woolley ue to Covid-19 restrictions, we Lions Club has been presenting the will not be able to host the Grand Grand Parade since before 1950. The Parade this year. The parade is a very Loggerodeo™ had become accustomed special part of the Loggerodeo™ weekend to asking the club to take on the task and we look forward to its return in every year and then about 1950 the club 2022. officially took it over as their community Entries vary from year to year but project. There has been a Lions Club there are typically 130-140 in the twomember on the Loggerodeo™ board since hour long parade. Participants may use 1950. Long time Lions Club member log trucks, decorated floats - large and Rose Torset is the lead parade organizer. small, antique cars and trucks, the old The parade is one of the biggest John Deere tractors and much more events in Sedro-Woolley; organizing including horses and the funny pooper such a large event takes a lot of effort scoopers. There are often a few drill from volunteers. Of the Lions Club’s 21 teams, race cars and of course the Nile members, 18 are actively involved in Shriners of Seattle. There are always putting on the parade along with family marching units, a band or two and fire members and other volunteers from the trucks along with many local businesses, community. The work includes collecting organizations and church groups. parade applications, selecting judges and The parade is organized by the the grand marshal and staging entries Sedro-Woolley Lions Club that is

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for the parade lineup. Anyone who is interested in becoming a Lions member can talk to any of the members at the parade or pick up an application at parade central.

Arts & Crafts Fair

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ue to Covid-19 restrictions, we will not be able to have an Arts & Crafts Fair this year.

Beard Contest

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he annual beard contest is one of the oldest Fourth of July events in Sedro-Woolley and the longest running beard competition in the State of Washington; it’s been running since the 1930s! Sadly, 2020 couldn’t happen but we are looking forward to bringing it back this year! Social distancing and mask requirements will be in place.

Bringing his expertise on beards, Mike Phillips of the State Street Barber Shop returns as the event organizer and information. judge. This year’s event will be on July 4 at 9 a.m. Contestants should meet at Hammer Heritage Square between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to get their name on edro-Woolley’s patriotic fireworks the list. Hand-designed buttons will be show is held at Riverfront Park passed out to contestants and a few lucky at dusk on July 4, sponsored by the spectators before the show. Come to see a great selection of beards including red, white and blue dyed beards, thick, long, short and scraggly beards. Prizes will be awarded to the following categories: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Biggest Beards, Best Design, and Farthest Traveled.

Starting in June 2014, then SedroWoolley Police Chief, Doug Wood, allowed his police officers to grow a beard for the Beard Contest. The current police chief, Lin Tucker, allowed it again in 2015 and has since decided to allow it indefinitely. The contest has grown and shrunk over the last several years - from a few contestants in 2013 up to 31 in 2014 and back down to 14 in 2017. Who will take 1st place this time? Contact the Loggerodeo™ at 360-770-8452 for more

Fireworks Show

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Loggerodeo™. The park has a great “open view” of the night sky and there is ample free parking and room to enjoy the spectacular show. Fireworks are provided by Western Display Fireworks of Camby, Oregon.

Come early to picnic, stroll along the

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beautiful Skagit River or tailgate in the parking lot across from the park. Due to Covid restrictions there will not be food trucks and we ask that families stay by their cars and retain a three to six-foot distance from other groups. Please wear your mask.

Chainsaw Carving Championship

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oin us for the 25th annual Chainsaw Carving Championship; the premier carving event of the Northwest in the “chainsaw carving capital of Washington!” This year, it will be a gated event because of a Washington State Health Department requirement

to keep attendance under a certain level. Spectators must wear masks and remain three-to-six feet apart due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please check the Loggerodeo™ Facebook page or www.loggerodeo.org just in case of cancellation closer to the event.

The carving competition was first organized by Rocky McArthur in 1996 and it continues to be a stand-out crowd pleaser year after year under the leadership of pro carver, George Kenny.

The competition has always been held on the corner of Murdock and State streets but it has grown and changed over the years; keeping it one of the most exciting events of the weekend. This year’s event

will feature 14-15 pro carvers. Look out for your favorites and some fresh, new faces. See the “Meet the Carvers” article at the end of the program to get to know them.

The main event is the log competition, which will run July 1-July 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carvers work with six to eight foot all cedar logs to carve beautiful sculptures with themes such as Northwest wildlife and logging.

With over 26 hours to work on their master sculptures, there will be plenty of anticipation around the finished products and the judges’ picks on July 4. The Quick Carves will be held July 1-July 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Auctions will be held at 5 p.m. July 1-July 3. On July 4 the

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Quick Carve will be 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the Quick Carve auction time at 3 p.m., followed immediately by the awards ceremony. Help crown a “People’s Choice” winner between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 4 and join in the celebration for this year’s winners.

Awards are granted to the top five Best Overall Quick Carves and the top five main event carvings plus People’s Choice and Carver’s Choice. Judges look for the following five criteria in choosing the best competitors: artistic impact, effectiveness of design, use of material, difficulty and craftsmanship. A portion of the event’s proceeds goes to support the Loggerodeo™ that provides the cedar logs for the competition; please bid on the wonderful carvings to show your support for the Loggerodeo™ and keep the carving competition going into the future.

George Kenny of Allyn, Washington returns as the event’s carver coordinator

and auctioneer. As a carver and former competitor himself, he has been closely involved with the carving industry for over 20 years, helping to coordinate carving shows around the country.

He also knows the carvers personally, is familiar with their past and recent accomplishments and has even competed against some of them. George travels across the U.S. doing custom works and shows. In 2004, he opened a first of its kind training facility called the George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving that has been instrumental in teaching the next generation of carvers. Students come from all over the country to take his acclaimed three-day course and many of these students go on to become champions themselves. Kenny currently organizes and auctions for The Northern California Championships, The Butte County Fair, near Chico, California and the Monterey County Fair in

California. George has been featured in TV spots with Alaska Airlines, Pemco, AmericanExpress and on the show Treehouse Masters on the Discovery Channel. Look out for George’s exhibition carving and quick carves this year. Said Kenny, “The carvers have been anxiously awaiting the time where they can go head-to-head with the competition and the friendships that have been created at these types of events. I am looking forward to seeing their creativity after a year-long hiatus.”

As chainsaw art has moved into the mainstream, many of our participating carvers have been involved in movie and television parts and shows. Mark Colp has a starring role in TimberKings where he works on large log homes and was featured on seven out of 10 episodes of the reality show “Saw Dogs”; Steve Bacus has been seen by most of the Northwest in the Pemco commercials; George Kenny

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and Jacob Lucas have been featured on Treehouse masters on Discovery Channel; Bob King has won many titles across the world and done work with Lucas Films of Star Wars fame.

Thank you to all the local sponsors who provided cash prizes and volunteer time. Contact George at gknwman@ yahoo.com for more information.

Patriotic Business and House Decorating Contest

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n a long-standing tradition, about a dozen houses and a handful of businesses participate in the contest each year, decorating their home or business in Red, White and Blue for the Fourth of July. Businesses compete in two categories: Main Street Window Decorating and Off of Metcalf Building Decorating. A panel of local judges will rank the homes and businesses for best use of patriotic colors; awarding gift certificates for first, second and third places. Winners are announced on the Loggerodeo™ website. Judging will take place on July 1.

Download your application form on www.loggerodeo.org and mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or drop off at the Loggerodeo™ office above the museum by Monday,

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June 28. Call the Loggerodeo™ at 360-770-8452 for more information.

Sedro-Woolley Rodeo

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he Sedro-Woolley Riding Club (SWRC) has a longstanding relationship with the City of Sedro-Woolley and Skagit County which we pride ourselves on delivering quality events that support and entertain our community.

We’ve always operated under the philosophy of “go big or go home”, and that it’s not worth doing if we cannot give 100%!

With that said, the SWRC board of directors reluctantly drug its feet as long as we dared for planning purposes and have made the disappointing decision to not have a rodeo in 2021 and come back in 2022 like a National Finals Rodeo Championship win in the 10th round to secure a world title!

With the current restrictions and guidelines hindering us from having a full crowd, vendors, giving our generous sponsors the recognition they deserve, a fully operation beer garden and doing our rodeo “Sedro-Woolley Style”; we won’t settle for anything less.

As a volunteer board, make no mistake that this was an agonizing decision and one that we pondered and worked

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from all angles. It costs tens of thousands of dollars to put on a quality rodeo. We recoup that cost through our generous sponsors and a full gate attendance. The current and foreseeable state guidelines prohibit us from doing that and we’d risk the whole club from a financial aspect as well as from a regulatory penalty aspect (currently at a maximum of 25% capacity or 900 people). WE WANT TO RODEO and bring you the best the PRCA has to offer and do it in Sedro-Woolley Style and we’ll accept nothing less. Our Rodeo director and retired Sedro-Woolley Police Chief Doug Wood said it best, “Our situation may not be right and it may not be fair, but its real.”

Kiddie Parade

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ue to Covid-19 restrictions, we will not be able to host the Kiddie Parade this year.

Robyn’s “Pancakes for Kids” Breakfast

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obyn’s “Pancakes for Kids” Breakfast is hosted by the Sedro-Woolley High School Associated Student Body (ASB). Please see the Sedro-Woolley School District Facebook page or call the ASB office at 360-855-3510 ext. 8 for confirmation of the event that will be released closer to the Fourth of July. The “Robyn’s Pancakes for Kids” fundraiser breakfast is held on July Fourth from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center on 715 Pacific Street (next to the library,

Privileged to help.

Keith Sorestad, Agent 820 Township Street Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 Bus: 360-855-1831 www.ksorestad.com

We’re honored to serve this community for 44 years.

My staff and I look forward to many more with you.

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2021 Loggerodeo™ Event Schedule July 1-4 This year’s events will look a little different because of Covid-19 restrictions, so please read over this event schedule carefully. It would also be a good idea to check the Loggerodeo™ website and Facebook page for any further cancellations that may have happened after printing.

In order for us to have these events at all, we must comply with Washington State Health Department regulations for gatherings. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, families are asked to retain a three to six-foot distance from other groups and to wear a mask.

Thursday, July 1 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ��������������� Chainsaw Carving Competition, followed by Quick Carve auction 1 p.m. ����������������������������� Decorated House and Business Judging Canceled ���������������������������Carnival 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ����� Quick Carve Canceled ���������������������������Arts & Crafts Fair 5 p.m. ����������������������������� Quick Carve Auction

Sunday, July 4 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ��� Robyn’s “Pancakes for Kids” Breakfast (Check the Sedro-Woolley School District Facebook page or call the ASB office at 360855-3510 ext. 8) Canceled ��������������������������Pro-West Slack Event 8 a.m. ����������������������������� Chainsaw Carving Competition 9 a.m. ����������������������������� Beard Contest (registration between 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.)

Canceled ���������������������������Cowboy Church at the SWRC Clubhouse 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. �������� Sedro-Woolley Footrace (check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. – staggered start times may be used) 11 a.m. �������������������������� Eagles “BBQ in the Parking Lot” Canceled ��������������������������Grand Parade Canceled ��������������������������Carnival Canceled ���������������������������Arts & Crafts Fair 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ������������ Quick Carve Canceled ���������������������������Stick Pony Races on the Rodeo Grounds 3 p.m. ����������������������������� Quick Carve Auction followed

by Awards Ceremony Canceled ��������������������������Sedro-Woolley Rodeo 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. ����������� Fireworks

Friday, July 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ��������������� Chainsaw Carving Competition, followed by Quick Carve auction Canceled ���������������������������Carnival Canceled ���������������������������Arts & Crafts Fair 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ����� Quick Carve 5 p.m. ����������������������������� Quick Carve Auction Saturday, July 3 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ��������������� Chainsaw Carving Competition, followed by Quick Carve auction Canceled �������������������������� Arts & Crafts Fair Canceled ��������������������������Carnival 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ����� Quick Carve 5 p.m. ����������������������������� Quick Carve Auction Canceled ���������������������������Kiddie Parade Canceled ��������������������������Stick-Pony Races on the Rodeo Grounds Canceled ��������������������������Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Loggerodeo™ contact information: Website: www.loggerodeo.org E-mail: sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@ frontier.com Phone: 360-770-8452 Event applications can be found on loggerodeo.org under applications.

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Mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 Drop them off at the Loggerodeo™ office: 727 Murdock St. Unit 3. (above the museum) The official Loggerodeo™ T-shirt sale for $15 will be held July 1 through July 4 at the Chainsaw Carving Competition.

Check the Loggerodeo™ Facebook page or www.loggerodeo.org just in case of cancellation closer to the event.

The 2021 design for the staff and wood carver T-shirts as well as the award plaques for the Chainsaw Carving Championship was created by SedroWoolley High School 9th grader, Isabelle Smiley.

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Thank You Sponsors for 2021!

Bob Graham Trucking Sierra Pacific • Nielsen Bros. • Banner Bank • Janicki Logging • Skagit Media Skagit Publishing LLC • Farmer’s Equipment • Lemley Chapel • Stiles Law Firm BYK Construction • Rob Graham Trucking • Oliver & Hammer • Judd & Black Foothills Toyota • Country Meadows • Skagit Farmer’s Country Store Hwy 20 Pharmacy • Sunset Storage Due to publication deadlines your name or organization may have been omitted. It will be appear on the Loggerodeo™ website and will also be announced at the Chainsaw Carving Competiton Awards Ceremony July 4th. goskagit.com

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Event Locations & Race Route

Riverfront Park

RIVER ROAD

© 2021 Skagit Publishing Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA Not to scale.

Skagit River

EVENT LOCATIONS A. Footrace Start & Finish

Any final decisions affecting the race will come closer to the event – please check our website for updates or call Kyle Rutherford at 360-856-4465. (check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. – staggered start times may be used)

B. Wood Carving Events C. SW Museum Displays & Antique Tractors 20 LOGGERODEO 2021

D. Fireworks E. Beard Contest

(registration between 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.)

F. Eagles BBQ G. Kids’ Pancake Breakfast

(Check the Sedro-Woolley School District Facebook page or call the ASB office at 360-855-3510 ext. 8) Skagit Publishing

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entrance on Pacific and State streets). All sedrowoolleyfootrace.com for the proceeds go to ASB to help fund projects registration form. Cost is $25 including for the year. a shirt. Mail or drop off registration forms to the Janicki Logging Office located at 103 N. Township St. by noon Thursday, July 2.

The races are sponsored by the ny final decisions affecting the Loggerodeo™, Sedro-Woolley Rotary race will come closer to the and Skagit Runners. The footrace has event – please check our website for been a Rotary project for years; rotary updates or call Kyle Rutherford at members “man” the street corners 360-856-4465. Safety is our priority along the race routes along with other and as a result, staggered start times are being considered. The 43rd annual Rotary Footrace will be held July 4 at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Check-in and same day registration are 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the parking lot in front of the Sedro-Woolley High School gym. Preregistration cost is $25 including shirt; same-day registration shirts are $10 while supplies last.

Pre-registration: Visit www.loggerodeo.org or www.

Sedro-Woolley Rotary Footrace

Family owned since 1935 All professional mortuary services available, including cremation, headstone design and pre-planned funeral arrangements Doug Hutter Tobi Stidman Licensed Funeral Directors

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Jason Easton Pre-Planning Counselor www.lemleychapel.com 360-855-1288 mminfo@lemleychapel.com 1008 Third St., Sedro-Woolley. WA 98284

Quality Care with a Personal Feel. Everything a Local Pharmacy Should Be. goskagit.com

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organizational tasks. Long-time SedroWoolley Rotary board member, Kyle Rutherford, organizes the event.

The 5.17-Mile Race and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk are accurately-measured and well-policed, attracting almost 700 participants each year. Both races travel along the Fourth of July Grand Parade route. The middle section of the 5.17-mile race runs along the Skagit River while the 2-mile course goes to the 1-mile turnaround and returns to the start/finish line. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three men and top three women in each race.

Ages 14 and under and 70 and over are free (t-shirt not included), but must register day-of-race and receive a race number. If you want a T-shirt,

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prides itself on being “people helping people.” It supports local agencies who protect and serve the community including police and firefighters, provides funding for medical research in areas such as kidney disease, spinal cord injuries, diabetes and Alzheimer’s and raises money to donate to the local food banks, families in need, the boys and girls club, and academic and sports scholarships.

Barbeque in the Parking Lot: The Sedro-Woolley Eagles Club is Eagles Club parking lot: 1000 Metcalf hosting a barbeque in their parking lot Street at 1000 Metcalf Street on July 4 from 11 Call the Eagles Club at (360) 855a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be hamburgers, 0530 closer to July in case of a change hot dogs, french fries and more with a of plans. portion of profits going to the SedroThe Sedro-Woolley Eagles Club Woolley Boys and Girls Club.

we recommend pre-registering online at www.sedrowoolleyfootrace.com by 5 p.m., Monday, July 2 where you can purchase a t-shirt for $10.

Parking is available on the south side of the high school athletic field to avoid conflicts with parade activities.

Please do not park in the gym parking lot.

The Sedro-Woolley Eagles Club FOE #2069 Events

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Here’s to the folks that know their way around the woods.

Thanks to all the contestants, organizers and attendees at this year’s Loggerodeo for celebrating and supporting the logging community.

We’re always honored to serve you.

Let’s create tomorrow, together.

Sedro-Woolley 300 Ferry Street 360-855-2141 Contact us at 800-272-9933 to find a location near you or visit us anytime at bannerbank.com. goskagit.com

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Meet the 2021 Carvers The 2021 Chainsaw Carving Championship is thrilled to welcome 14-15 worldclass pro carvers to compete against each other in this exciting weekend event.

Meet the carvers in their bios.

Alexandru Pricob E-mail: Alexdoesart82@gmail.com

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lex was born and raised in a small village in the Eastern European country of Moldova. He was an artist from an early age, starting with a love of drawing cartoon characters.

In later years he expanded into oil painting on canvas. In 2007, he moved his family to the United States in search of a better life. They settled in Renton, Washington.

“In the summer of 2009, I went to a wood carving show in Ocean Shores and fell in love with what I saw. I went home and tried to do some wood carvings myself, and I thought they turned out very good. Since then, I have been carving sculptures out of lumber, using the chainsaw”, he said. Alex went on to win second place in the semi-pro division in Ocean Shores; first place for the most money maker; and first place for the quick carve. In 2015, Alexandru won second place for carvings bringing in the most money at the carving festival in Arlington, Washington. He has participated in many street fairs, wood carving shows and competitions.

In December, 2016, Alex and business partner Don Benson opened a shop in McKenna, WA, east of Yelm, to carve and sell their art. They are slowly turning it into a carving studio.

Anthony Robinson Facebook: /NativeBeachArt Phone: 360-269-2536 E-mail: Robinson72t@gmail.com

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ew to the Loggerodeo™, Tony is “…excited to come to the Loggerodeo™ and create with other chainsaw artists!!”

Robinson grew up on a farm in Ohio and later built custom homes, after relocating to the Grays Harbor area of Washington State. After 20 years in the industry and some life-changing events, he found his artistic side calling to him. He began his artistic pursuits by collecting sea glass and making hand-made art items but became interested in carving. Robinson’s first sculpting project was carving the figures of a wolf and a heron into a piece of driftwood he had originally planned to use for displaying his jewelry.

Living in Copalis Crossing, Tony may be found carving at his home studio. Look for the Native Beach Accessories sign and everchanging display of chainsaw carvings on display as you drive on Ocean Beach Road. His favorite subjects are magnificent creatures from the natural environment such as whales, wolves, salmon bear, eagles, and the ever-popular Big Foot.

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Tony receives support from many of his friends from every walk of life. His work now graces homes and businesses all over Washington State. “I have never had trouble getting wood,” says Tony, “I know the right people and often trade sculpture for wood.”

Bob King Web: www.chainsawking.com Facebook: /ChainsawKing Phone: 253-686-8983 Bob started carving in the fall of 1998 after seeing a local carver at the fair. He worked at Boeing and carved on the side until he was laid off in 2000, which prompted his move into full-time carving. He is now the owner of Bear Necessities Sculpture, LLC where he keeps busy filling orders for both private and corporate customers. King entered his first competition after carving only three bears and has been competing ever since. Bob was one of the original members of the Echo-USA Carving Team; having been asked to join in 2005. King is the main carver for Burton Snow Boards, handling their custom jumps for snow board runs. He has traveled to Daytona for Bike Week, carved at the Pocono 500 in Pennsylvania, participated in Harley Davidson’s 105th anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worked in conjunction with Lucas Films and Disney.

In 2010, Bob was honored with a star in the Carvers Walk of Fame in Mulda, Germany for winning more competitions than anyone in the world! Bob was honored with a fourth-place award for Best Overall Carver in the 2014 Loggerodeo™ carving competition. His winning carving was then purchased by Loggerodeo™ and donated as a memorial to the town of Oso for

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the mudslide. In 2015 Bob won first place in the People’s Choice award at the 3rd annual McKenzie River Chainsaw & Arts Festival. He has been invited to represent the United States in competitions in Germany, England, Scotland, Denmark, Holland and Canada. He lives in Edgewood, Washington and carves all around the United States while not at home or traveling abroad.

You can follow his travels on both his website and Facebook page.

Basically a self-taught carver, Bob continues to grow in this art form by learning from other artists and pushing himself to try new things. Bob carves anything from realistic wildlife sculptures to scenes from life as he sees it. Once again, this year holds some fun adventures in wood sculpture and connecting with people. Bob looks forward to new experiences and catching up with friends and family along the way.

Brandi Herber Facebook & Instagram: /brandiherberchainsawcarver/ Phone: 503-437-5357 E-mail: brandiherber@gmail.com Brandi Herber was born and raised in the country outside of Sheridan, Oregon. She spent most of her life in the restaurant and catering business.

After investing 10 years in the Portland Film industry as a chef, she decided to replace chef knives with chainsaws. It was time to move back to the country to family and simple living.

After some research, she lucked upon George Kenny’s School of Chainsaw Carving. After finishing the class, she was given the opportunity to work with George at his shop for a year, learning even more. Three years later she has now become a full-time carver. Her top sellers are Sasquatches and custom deep relief signs. Said Brandi, “I like the challenge and pushing myself to create carvings that are outside my comfort zone.”

In 2019 she placed second in the Yreka Semi Pro Division at the Nor Cal Invitational Chainsaw Carving Competition. This year’s goal is to be able to participate in more events. “Love the life you live; live the life you love” is a motto I strive to live my life by and it pertains nicely to my career as a chainsaw carver. They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I truly love being a carver and meeting all the amazing talented carvers out there. There is so much inspiration to push me to be better every day.”

Brandi’s business Facebook and Instagram is Brandiherberchainsawcarver and you will find a lot of her work displayed there.

Chris Foltz Web: https://chrisfoltzsculptures.wordpress.com/ Facebook: /chris.foltz.14 Chris Foltz grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland but now lives in North Bend, Oregon with his wife and four sons. In the 2014 carving competition he was honored with the People’s Choice and Best Overall Carver award. He is a competitive wood and ice power sculptor and a Chef instructor at OCCI. Foltz began working at the age of 14 in butcher shops 26 LOGGERODEO 2021

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cleaning the kill floors. He started his first kitchen position at the age of 15. Foltz paid his own way through post-secondary, graduating with dual degrees in baking and cooking from Baltimore International Culinary College.

Chris started out making ice sculptures through his work as a chef about 14 years ago. In April, 2005 Chris took three days of formal wood sculpting instruction from Mike Vosburg in Richmond, VA. Three months later he entered his first competition, the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championship in Reedsport OR., where he won “rookie” of the year.

Now, Chris is the only professional sculptor that is competing in both wood and ice at a world-class level, averaging twelve competitions a year and regularly placing in the top ranks. He has also been influenced by iconic individuals including Bob and Cindy King who were the first and most important to influence Chris as a sculptor.

Foltz is best known for designs of original characters, comic book heroes, large animals of imagination, re-creations of strange animals and sculptures of children. Said Chris, “We always completely enjoy our time in Sedro-Woolley! My family has been lucky enough to be part of the show for years. The best artists and a great organization for the show. The town is fantastic as well.”

Colby Herrington Web: www.herringtonwoodcarving.com Facebook: /herringtonwoodcarving/ Email: herringtonwoodcarving@gmail.com Phone: 253-232-4808 Following in his Dad Mark’s footsteps, Colby – who lives in Bonney Lake, Washington - is a talented pro wood carver. He began to compete in chainsaw carving competitions in 2008, eventually moving up to the Pro division in 2015. In 2014, at the age of 21 he won second-place honors at a chainsaw competition, in 2017 he won second place at the SedroWoolley Championships and in 2019 he won first-place honors at both the NorCal Chainsaw Carving Championships and the Sedro-Woolley Championships. Colby carves full-time through his business. Last year the business, originally named Herrington Wood Carving, added milling and renamed themselves Herrington Wood Carving and Milling; they are now able to offer slabs for sale.

Daniel Whited Facebook: /WhitedCarvings-253929171295628/ E-mail: whitedcarvings@centurytel.net Daniel Whited started his career as a stone sculptor in 1988; at the time he worked primarily in sandstone at the old Wilkenson Quarry.

In 1990 he met Pat McVay at the NWSSA symposium. When Pat introduced Daniel to chainsaw carving, he never looked back. In 1991 he was invited to carve at the Westport carving contest where he placed third. Daniel has carved at contests across the United States and in the last of couple years at some contests in Australia. He resides in beautiful Home, Washington.

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Davey Gagne Web: www.chipsaflyin.com Phone: 360-561-3335 Davey Gagne was born in France in 1961 but raised in Tumwater and Olympia Washington. He is a self-taught carver who has been working with wood since he was about 13 years old. After attending the big show at Westport, he fell in love with carving. With Gagne’s numerous awards, including first place at the Loggerodeo™ in 2009, he’s been one to watch closely for years. The icing on the cake was winning first place on each day of the Sedro-Woolley quick carve in 2019 on top of first place for the highest single quick carve. Said Gagne, “To do that competing against the guys that compete at the Sedro-Woolley championship is a tough achievement. I’m a glutton for competition. I love to compete. It’s a challenge and it’s great.”

Davey keeps himself very busy building custom homes and running his carving business, Chips-A-Flying’. Said Davey, “I’ve been non-stop busy doing stump jobs and carving projects recently. I create custom designs based on photographs supplied by my clients.” Among his most recognizable work are the two big salmon on display in the hotel lobby of Little Creek Inn in Shelton, Washington and his eight-foot cowboy standing in downtown Sedro-Woolley.

Gagne also used to ride bulls and participate in the rodeo event in the SedroWoolley Loggerodeo™. Said Gagne, “It’s really fun to come back and compete in a different fashion now. I also feel like what I learned through bull riding helps me as a carver. When you ride bull or do any event, the power of positive thinking comes into play. I live by a quote by Paul J. Meyer about the power of positive thinking, shared by my bull riding teacher: Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon... must inevitably come to pass! I believe I am where I am because of believing in that quote.”

Jacob Lucas Web: jacoblucascarving.com Facebook: /Jacoblucascarving-103495724355118/ Phone: 253-223-1432 E-mail: carveandburn@yahoo.com A resident of Bonney Lake, Washington; Jacob Lucas has been carving since 2004. Throughout the years he has worked in many mediums such as drawing, clay sculpture, digital design, glass blowing and chainsaw art.

Carving became a dream of Jacob’s when his grandmother bought some cute carved bears at the local fair. “At age 13 I thought it was something I could do so I saved my money from working in a lawn mower repair shop and purchased a small saw.” His dreams were soon cut short when two weeks later the new saw was stolen from the garage. Being only 13, Lucas pretty 28 LOGGERODEO 2021

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much wrote off becoming a carver.

Eleven years later his grandmother read an article in the paper about a carver and reminded Jacob of his dream so long ago. She offered to buy him a new saw and from then on, he has been hooked. A few years in, Jacob decided to try competitive carving; he entered the Reed Sport Divisional in Oregon, taking second place in the semi-pro category. He returned the next year and entered as a professional, taking eighth place among 30 of the best carvers in the world. In 2015, Lucas was invited

by Bob King to go to Mulda, Germany as his partner to represent the U.S.A. in the Huskycup Worldcup Championship Invitational chainsaw carving competition against teams from five other countries. The assignment was to create a hunting scene from each group’s country of origin before the age of firearms; they carved a Native American rearing up on a horse and spearing a full-sized bison, which took second place overall. Jacob also won second place in the 2015 People’s Choice award at the 3rd annual McKenzie River Chainsaw & Arts Festival.

Lucas has been featured in many carving articles. He spent three summers sculpting 16 trees over 12 feet tall for the City of Bridgeport next to the Chief Joseph Dam in Eastern Washington, 30 miles south of Omak; he now has 30 sculptures in the town. Jacob also has a few sculptures on display in the City of Chelan and carved a 10-foot-tall nutcracker for the City of Leavenworth that is located in the center of town across from the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum.

Jacob carves full time and takes custom orders. He likes to say “I love to make people smile with my art”.

Jeff Samudosky Website: www.JMSWoodSculpture.com E-mail: JMSwoodsculpture@yahoo.com Online Store: https://www. jmswoodsculpturelocalstore.com/ Jeff Samudosky is excited to be back at the Loggerodeo™ and to announce that his sculptures are now viewable throughout the year and available for purchase online at www. JMS Wood Sculpture Local Store .com. During Loggerodeo™ however, they will only be available for purchase in person, so if you have time, head on over to his booth and check them out. There are even some new carvings that haven›t made it to the online store yet.

But who is Jeff? Well, he was born and raised in Shelton, Connecticut, and studied art and photography in high school. After graduating, Jeff traveled the continent as an Outward Bound instructor, ice climber and whitewater rafting guide. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming he trained as an Alpine mountaineering guide and became certified as a wilderness emergency medical technician. That was also the place where his life changed drastically. A crash while snowboarding left Jeff with a broken back and no feeling in his legs but after eight months of painful recovery, he was back on his feet.

While visiting Vermont in the late 1990s, he noticed some wood carvings along the side of a road. He thought, “I could do that” and opened J.M.S. Wood Sculpture in 1999, located off of Highway 16. With over 20 years-experience, the business has allowed Jeff to live around the country and travel all over the world participating in competitions and becoming involved in the carving community. When he isn’t traveling, he loves living and creating art in Washington.

Jeff was featured as an animal anatomy specialist in two episodes of the first chainsaw reality show, SAW DOGS, which aired on the Discovery Channel in 2012 (“Race to the Finish” and “First Breath”). More recently his sculptures were in National Geographic Kids UK magazine issue 145, Wood Carving Illustrated issue 82, Odd is Art, published by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Who’s Who in Visual Art – 100 Artisans, Craftspeople & Designers – Vol. 2018-2019.

At the Loggerodeo™, Jeff was honored with a second-place award for Best Overall Carver in the 2016 carving competition.

But enough about history and endeavors, most of all, Jeff would like everyone enjoy the present with some much-needed fun and celebration while staying safe at the Loggerodeo™! goskagit.com

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Mark Colp Facebook: /mark.colp E-mail: markcolp@hotmail.com Mark Colp was born in Alberta, Canada and is proud to make chainsaw wood sculpting his life. He became a professional chainsaw sculptor right out of high school; 2020 marks 39 years in the business. Mark has a long list of accomplishments and is an awardwinning wood sculptor with a shop in Lakeport, California. His many awards include winning the chainsaw carving invitational grand championship in New Mexico in 2013; winning the Redwood Regional in Ukiah, California in 2014; and first place at Reedsport Oregon 2015 Albuquerque Fiesta Cup. Mark was featured on seven out of 10 episodes of the reality show “Saw Dogs” that aired in Canada, the USA, Latin America and Mexico.

He also worked on a new TV reality series for Carver Kings that started airing in 2015. Mark’s satisfaction in carving comes from the happiness that he is able to bring his customers through his art. His favorite sculptures are nautical themes and marine animals. Said Mark, “It’s my passion to create beautiful sculptures from wood that everyone enjoys. I love competing with some of my best buds and watching their awesome ability to create.”

Nic Bielby Facebook: /nicklbywoodcarving Phone: 360-477-7229 Nic Bielby has been carving for five years and 2021 will be his second year at Sedro-Woolley. Nick has carved at several other competitions on the West Coast. In 2019 he placed first in the semi-pro division in Reedsport, which got him invited to Sedro-Woolley. Said Bielby, “I love to carve mostly wildlife and also enjoy competing in the carving world. I look forward to where carving will take me. Some people see a log laying on the ground. I see a bear or dragon. I’ve discovered that a chainsaw can work much like a paintbrush, and wood is canvas.”

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Ryan Anderson Facebook: /Ryansculptuesinmotion/ Phone: 541-361-0122 Ryan was honored with a third-place award for Best Overall Carver in the 2014 carving competition. He is the performing artist for Sculptures In Motion and has been sculpting professionally since 2006. He is one of the youngest amongst his competitors, yet he is a force to be reckoned with.

Growing up in Reedsport, Oregon, Ryan displayed artistic abilities.

He was introduced to chainsaw carving just shortly after turning 16 and became hooked on the art. Ryan started his chainsaw carving career in June of 2005 after being apprenticed by Tracie Brittenfield of Packwood, Washington. After graduating from Reedsport High School in 2007, Ryan began carving full time and attending more competitions. Ryan worked under Mark Colp during the winters of 2007 through 2011 learning more of the trade, which has been hugely beneficial to Ryan’s sculpting career.

In 2008, he placed first all four days in the semi-pro quick carve event at the Reedsport Chainsaw Carving Competition. This was followed by a second-place finish in the semi-pro main event and two second place finishes in the quick carve at the Ocean Shores competition. He has competed in many international events including the English Open where he took second place. He was a highlighted carver on the reality show “Saw-Dogs.”

In 2009 at the age of just 20, Ryan was invited to represent top of the line power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna. To this day Ryan creates “one-of-a-kind experiences” with inspiring sculptures using Husqvarna’s power tools.

Anderson enjoys a good challenge and using his imagination to come up with some very unique pieces of art. He also enjoys inspiring his fellow artists with his skills and techniques to help others learn the craft.

Ryan credits his success to the selfless dedication of his family, friends and many of his fellow carvers that were willing to inspire him and help guide him along the way.

Steve Backus E-mail: bigshot@whidbey.com Phone: 360-579-3574 Steve Backus has been carving for more than 40 years. For the first 30 years he carved hundreds of stumps in people’s yards.

He has setup shop at the Puyallup Fair since the beginning of his carving career and did that show for 41 years. Generally, buyers nowadays must schedule an appointment to purchase Steve’s work.

Steve was born on a dark and stormy night from the union of a beautiful Celtic princess and a wild young logger. He was raised by a friendly tribe of Sasquatch on the west side of the dark and forested land of the Olympic Peninsula. With access to some of the largest trees on earth, he was introduced to chainsaw carving by his mother’s family. His mom, Judy McVay, is a chain saw artist and so are his brothers, sister, uncles, cousins, sons and daughter.

After migrating to the isle of Whidbey in the center of the Salish Sea in 1975, the tribe helped found the humble beginnings of the new American folk art known as chainsaw carving; indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. A devastating fire burnt the business to the ground but out of the ashes each individual rebounded and developed their own carving style; going on to educate the world about the then infant art form of carving. In 1981 the Puyallup Fair asked Steve›s uncle if he could help them put on a carving contest. He agreed and so the fair hosted the very first chainsaw carving competition in the world. Four of Steve›s relatives were in that event, which had 17 total competitors. There was a Backus family member involved in every goskagit.com

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chainsaw carving contest in the Pacific Northwest until 1990. That›s when Pat McVay and Steve Backus started the Westport competition, also known as the Big One. Rocky McArthur participated in 1994 before returning to Sedro-Woolley to start the Loggerodeo™ Chainsaw Carving Championship in 1996.

These days Steve lives in a gated four-acre compound along a woodsy road in Clinton on Whidbey Island. An eclectic mix of carved faces, figures and signs line about 300 feet of fence on his property. He began hanging carvings on his fence more than 20 years ago.

Steve has carved in well over two hundred competitions and has appeared in a few reality TV shows as well as being featured in the 2008 Roadside Chainsaw Carver TV commercial for PEMCO Insurance called “We›re A Lot Like You. A Little Different.” Said Backus, “Chainsaw contests are much loved in the Pacific Northwest these days and the Sedro- Woolley competition is one of the most respected and well-run contests in the world at this time. I am honored to attend as a competitor against some of the most steely-eyed professionals in the business today!”

Backus organizes competitions around the region and invites visiting carvers to stay at his compound. He generously shares carving equipment with his guests. He has traveled as far as England and Germany to participate in events. He considers his luck to be very good: “to have worked at this independent art form, both as a living and a passion for a lifetime, and I ain›t done yet.”

Wayne Lyon

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E-mail: bearsbearsbears4u@ gmail.com Taught by Mark Colp, Wayne has been carving for 23 years. Said Wayne, “I love carving. Mark Colp is my teacher and good friend. I have three daughters, one son and five grand-children; they make my life the best. The kids love going to my shows. I specialize in bears and water fountains and benches. I truly love to see people pass me and see me carving and when I turn around, they are smiling. I’m a people person and love to see people laugh. My biggest goal at a competition is to have fun and beat the big dogs. My parents have always followed me to shows and supported me. We lost my Mom in November but my Dad will still show up in Reedsport to support me.

Love my close family.”

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Sedro-Woolley Museum

or 29 years, the Sedro-Woolley Museum has been a cherished resource for both Sedro-Woolley residents and visitors from around the country and the world. The museum is operated by an all-volunteer staff of residents of Sedro-Woolley and most exhibits were built with materials donated by members of the community.

Twenty-six-year museum volunteer Dale Robertson took over as president in October 2018, while long-time president, Carolyn Freeman, continues her work supporting the museum from home as needed.

The Sedro-Woolley Museum celebrates the city’s growth from the frontier era to more recent times. Museum volunteers took the opportunity that Covid-19 closures provided to revamp and update every single exhibit in the museum.

There will even be a new entrance with a faux-house front and the dream theater now has a front façade. The museum was able to salvage the Carnegie light pillars and other memorabilia from the old goskagit.com

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library and it is now proudly displayed in the museum entryway. Refreshed exhibits include the Cokedale Mine and the replica of a frontier town, with a barn, blacksmith shop and school house. More businesses have been added to the town throughout the museum. The Main Street exhibit with a post office, jail, saloon, bank, and newspaper office is better than ever. Exhibits feature railroads, logging and the Skagit Steel gallery that highlights one of our major local industries, as well

as Northern State Hospital and tributes to the military and the town “Founders, Movers, and Shakers.” In honor of the 100-year anniversary of our fire department, the fire/police department exhibit has been refreshed with new pictures and uniforms.

The Research Library is always growing with new archival collections, photographs, maps, newspapers and other materials that help researchers find answers to their questions about our

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area’s history.

The newly remodeled Gift Shop offers a fun, fresh selection of books and postcards about local history, T-shirts, and locally made gift items such as candles and hand-saw trees.

The Sedro-Woolley Museum’s annual membership drive is in January, but people are welcome to join in person or on-line throughout the year. Many special events offer a variety of experiences, including the Love that Train event every February that highlights the museum’s extensive model railroad set-up.

Upcoming Featured Events

Founders’ Day Weekend: September 11 and 12, 2021

We hope to have our regular events this Originally created in 1994 as a familyyear but plans may change depending on friendly fundraiser for the Sedro-Woolley Covid-19 restrictions. Please check our Museum and nick-named the “the big website and social media pages closer to car-show at the park”, Founders’ Day has the event dates. grown and changed over the years.

Check our website and Facebook pages Bingo & Popcorn: TBA for updates closer to the event.

Blast from the Past: Date TBA

The Spirits of Christmas Past with Chad Lindberg: TBA

Sidewalk sale in the parking lot to the side of the museum. We will have a ton of We are in talks with actor and good stuff. Check back for dates! paranormal investigator Chad Lindberg to return for a discussion about visiting and spirits at the museum. Reservations are a must, as the shows are limited to 25 people. There will be two shows on Friday night and two more on Saturday night.

Call the museum at 360-855-2390 for show times, dates and tickets.

Santa’s Throne: Tentatively December 11-12, 2021 Meet and greet with Santa at the museum. We have recreated Santa’s Throne that used to be downtown in front of the Bingham Bank where children would come and meet Santa.

We are hoping for an indoor event where children can meet Santa, and enjoy cookies and a tour of the museum.

Parents are welcome to take pictures of their kids visiting with Santa.

Contact Information Website: www.sedro-woolleymuseum.com Address: 725 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 | Phone: 360-855-2390 E-mail: swmuseum@comcast.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WoolleyMuseum Instagram: www.instagram.com/ sedrowoolleymuseum/

Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Other times by appointment Research library by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays 34 LOGGERODEO 2021

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