SOUTH FORK— Crowds of visitors flocked to South Fork this weekend to partake in a historical logging competition and festival. The first morning of the annual Logger Days event, large storm clouds piled up behind the San Juan Mountains and brought a deluge of rain, which caused the logging competitions to be delayed on Friday. Vendors and other businesses were set up for the following day’s events, but had to close up shop early because of the afternoon rain.
Saturday bloomed bright and warm, as people ventured back out to enjoy a day of competitions which included cross cut, axe throws and many other logging-based competitions with participants from around the globe. The competition is the only one of its kind in southwestern Colorado and brings in crowds from around the world for their chance to show the attending crowd their logging talents. South Fork town officials took the day off to help with the event, including Trustee Don Spencer who was the main announcer for the competitions.
The community center parking lot and inside the building was packed to the brim with vendors of all shapes and sizes. People came from all over to sell their homemade wares and delicious festival-like foods to the visitors. Competitions on Saturday included the men and women’s cross cut event. Participants came up in pairs to use the old time cross cut saw that requires one competitor on each end. Men and woman worked at high speeds to get through the log before their competitor, setting a rhythm of unbelievable pace.
Men, women and children all participated in the axe throw competition on Sunday, while a crowd of onlookers cheered them on. Children as little as age six participated in the event, hurling a hatchet through the air, aiming for their mark on a log target over 10 feet away. A complete list of winners for each event is printed below.
The speed cut was the next event, bringing the swift talents of several local women. Each competitor had to have both hands on the log they were about to cut until a signal from the judge to begin. Each participant then darted down to grab a running chainsaw, saw through the 10-inch log from top to bottom, then proceed to cut again from bottom to top. The task had to be done in the quickest time possible and it only took seconds. The pieces of wood known as “buttons” that were sawed off during the competition were offered to the crowd as keepsakes to anyone who wanted one for their own.
Travis Reed, a nationally recognized woodcarving artist, set up shop on the pickle ball court to carve up an intricate piece for a raffle. The raffle was sponsored by the South Fork Chamber of Commerce, and all proceeds went to help with future events like Logger Days. Several people entered to win the finished piece that was valued at $500.
Logger Days overall winners are first place- Shanna Lopez, second place-Chris Land, third place- David Castillo, fourth place- Ray Castillo, fifth place- Leslie Land and sixth place- Vince Marsh.
The event was a huge success with many newcomers participating in the competitions. Next up for South Fork will be a Vintage Dinner/Dance at the Rio Grande Club and Resort on July 22.