Competitor completes the Men’s Standing Block Chop
LOYALTON — Despite a miserably cold and rainy day in Loyalton, the third annual Sierra Timberfest drew a healthy crowd on Saturday. The festival celebrates the area’s vibrant timber industry, but more notably for viewers, it hosts an American Lumberjack Association-sanctioned competitions.
Wesley Palmer competes in the Single Buck
Lumberjack competitions test proficiency in activities inspired by crucial logging skills, including using tools such as the ax, saw, and chainsaw. In many events, competitors are timed in the breadthwise splitting of a debarked log — in this case, ponderosa pine.
A competitor works on his second slot during the Springboard Chop
The “springboard” is placed, and the platform is mounted
Finally, the block of wood at the top of the pole must be split
One of the most thrilling competition types, “Springboard,” involves participants using an ax to cut slots into a thick pole, where boards are placed. The competitor then uses the boards as platforms to chop at continually greater heights. The splitting of a log nailed to the top of the pole marks completion.
The Obstacle Pole tests a competitor’s balance and skill
Another event had participants run up a pole angled at about 15 degrees to the ground, cut a round of wood from the end using a chainsaw, and run back down the pole. The rain heightened the challenge, making for some nervous moments on the slippery wood.
The Double Buck pairs teammates in a race to cut through a log over a foot in diameter
Locals competed in several competitions, but many participants were regulars in American Lumberjack Association competitions nationwide. Some were nationally ranked, as high as the top fifteen in the country.
Chainsaw events went by quickly — often under 20 seconds to make two cuts
Terry LeBlanc, a Sierra County Supervisor, has been an organizer and supporter of Timberfest since its original incarnation, which ran from the 1980s to 2000. LeBlanc felt that this year’s version was a great success, even with having to dodge the raindrops.
The Axe Throw was a popular and competitive event
Chrissy Ramsey hosts Timberfest competitions
The main organizers for Timberfest 2024 were Wesley Palmer, a long-time competitor, and Chrissy Ramsey, the announcer. Ramsey was also an international lumberjack competitor, representing the United States in Australian competitions. Wood was donated by Sierra Pacific Industries.
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