Buckley set for two days of Log Show fun

The annual Buckley Log Show – two days packed with a parade, vendors, a carnival and competition – is ready to roll.

The annual Buckley Log Show – two days packed with a parade, vendors, a carnival and competition – is ready to roll.

This is the 43rd year for the show, a true community event that involves a Log Show committee, the Buckley Chamber of Commerce, the local Kiwanis Club and others.

Things get rolling at 10 a.m. this Saturday, June 25, with the traditional parade that closes off downtown Buckley. Entries gather at Glacier Middle School, then roll along Main Street, stopping just short of the highway.

The parade is heavy on local entries and, in keeping with the theme for the weekend, features plenty of big, loud trucks. Prior to the beginning of the parade, judges will determine awards for the best load of logs, best kids entry, best float, best lowboy, best miscellaneous truck and best overall entry.

Following the parade, many head to River Avenue to check out the vendors who line both sides of the street.

The annual carnival that visits Buckley offers the weekend’s first bit of fun, opening Friday evening and operating until late afternoon Sunday. Discounted tickets for the carnival will be available until Friday afternoon at a pair of Buckley businesses, Chuck’s Drug and Columbia Bank.

The carnival, which will be at the traditional site along state Route 410, is sponsored by the Buckley Kiwanis and Buckley Police Guild.

The key component of the weekend is the Log Show, which features serious competition in events like choker setting, double bucking, the standing block chop, ax throw and plenty more. The action gets under way at noon Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at the Log Show grounds. There is no fee for spectators.

EVENTS CALL FOR SPEED, STRENGTH AND AGILITY

Log Show competitors have the opportunity to test their skills in a variety of events. Here’s a quick look:

Speed climb

Contestants will climb a 75-foot-tall spar tree and ring the bell in the timed race. The climber begins with one spike in the tree and one on the ground. The time stops when the climber reaches the top and rings the bell. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event in 2015.

Obstacle bucking

Contestants begin on the start log, run across poles over the pond to the main log where they use a chainsaw to cut through a 14-inch alder. The time stops when the chip hits the ground. The top six times will compete in the finals on Sunday. Combined times from both days will determine the winner. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event a year ago.

Horizontal block chop

Contestants will stand astride a 10-inch alder and chop through the log. Approximately halfway through, the chopper will reverse position on the log to finish. Time starts with the whistle and stops when the log is chopped through. The top six times will compete in the finals on Sunday. Combined times from both days determine winners. Buck McBride won the event in 2015.

Choker setting

Contestants will begin on the starting log, run across the pond to cross the main log at opposite end of the arena. After crossing the main log, contestants will “shag” a three-quarter-inch choker back over the pond and set it on the start log, attaching the knob into the bell for a qualifying time. The choker must be set for a qualifying time. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event in 2015.

Double bucking

Contestants will work in teams of two. The saw will be buried to a depth of the teeth in a 12-inch alder log. Time stops when the chip hits the ground. The team of Billy Clinkingbeard and Brandon Koch won last year.

Ax throw

Contestants are allowed one trial throw, then three competitive throws. Using a 6-inch blade or smaller, weighing 2 pounds or more with a handle of 21 inches or longer, an ax will be thrown at a 4-inch bull’s-eye from 20 feet. Five points are awarded for a bull’s-eye, or contestants can be given three of four points for throws that are close. Chris Slyter won the event in 2015.

Splicing

Two-man team splices an eye in a length of cable using Marlin spikes and hammers. The splice must be neat or it will be disqualified. Before time starts, a loop is formed in the cable and spiked to the block. At the signal, the teams begin splicing and throw up their hands for a finished time. The top six teams will compete in the finals on Sunday. Combined times from both days will determine the winner. Jeff Fetter and Arthur Fetter teamed up to win the event last year.

Hot saw, limited

Contestants will use their own stock power saw. The carburetor, muffler and starter rope must be stock. All saw gas for this even is supplied by the Log Show. Andy Hodder won the event in 2015.

Modified hot saw

This is a no-point event. Only a first-place trophy is given. Points are not counted toward All-Around Logger. Double-ender chainsaws or chainsaws with expansion chambers are entered in this event. The team of Andy Rolston and Jeff Fetter won the event in 2015.

Hot saw, unlimited

This is a no-point event. Contestants may use any modified saw. A first-place trophy is awarded for the fastest time. Usually a two-manned saw is entered in this event. Barry Rawson and Dan Clarke won the event in 2015.

Tree topping

The climber starts with one spike in tree and one on the ground, climbs 75 feet to top of spar poles and saws through a 7-inch log. The time stops when the chip hits the ground. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event in 2015.

Single bucking

Contestants will saw through a 10-inch alder log using a crosscut saw. Contestants start with a saw buried to the top of teeth. The time stops when the chip hits ground. Jay Doty won a year ago.

Standing block chop

Contestants will chop through a 10-inch alder log, first on one side and then on the other. Time starts at the whistle and stops when the log is completely chopped in two. The top six times will compete in the finals on Sunday. Combined times from both days will determine winners. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event in 2015.

Obstacle

pole bucking

Contestants will start at the base of the main log, pick up a chainsaw and start up the pole behind the first line. A second line must be crossed before starting the saw. Contestants will then saw approximately halfway through an 8-inch alder log using the top of the bar, then cut the opposite side using the bottom of the bar. The saw must be shut off before returning down the pole. Contestants must cross over a line at the bottom of the pole before getting off, then return to the base of the main log; time stops when the contestant crosses the line. Buck McBride won the event in 2015.

Ma and Pa bucking

Contestants will work in teams of two, one male and one female. The saw will be buried in the wood to a depth of the teeth. Each team will saw through a 12-inch alder. Time stops when the chip hits the ground. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Jalen Johansen and Sarah Schoenbachler joined forces to win in 2015.

Crew relay

Logging crews in teams of six compete against each other in a relay. The events include choker setting, standing block chop, ax throw, double bucking and power saw bucking. Winners are named Best Crew and there is a perpetual trophy. Wyss Team #2 won the event in 2015.

Obstacle choker setting

Contestants will start at the base of a pole that is perched over the log-rolling pond. Contestants will set a choker between designated points on opposite ends of pole. The time stops when a contestant returns to the log. Wes Bruhn won the event in 2015.

Log rolling

All preliminaries and finals in the event take place Sunday. Billy Clinkingbeard won the event in 2015.

Wrapper toss

Contestants will set and secure three binders over a load of logs. The time stops when binders are secured and a flag is posted at the back of the load. Contestants will have only one chance to secure a winning time. Jeff Fetter won the event in 2015.