Single tracks By KEILI BARTLETT
TIMBER! There’s never been a better excuse to wear your favourite flannel (not that you need one in Squamish, where they’re practically mandatory). On BC Day long weekend, Aug. 1 to 5, a long-loved Squamish custom steps back into the ring. The Squamish Days Loggers Sports tradition is 62 years strong. It kicked off in 1957, originally as a one-day event. As the competitive spirit grew to five days, it celebrates the area’s long logging history, from the Sḵwxwú7mesh people through different inventions of machinery to help make a dangerous job safer and faster. Crowd favourites include bucking, chopping, tree climbing, falling and topping and, naturally, axe throwing. Once upon a time, the festival also featured a men’s pageant, mostly judged on their beards. This festival truly has everything your inner lumberjack could desire. Even your miniloggers are welcome, as the festival includes kid events. Some events are open to newbies, so seriously, don’t forget your plaid. It doesn’t get more Squamish than this. • 8 | Discover Squamish Summer 2019
left and below : Loggers sports has a long tradition in Squamish as these photos from 1962 (insert) and 1970s show. Photos: Squamish Digital History Collection via the Squamish Public Library
