Log Show competitors have the opportunity to test their skills in a variety of events. These quick descriptions are taken from the show’s Web site:
Speed climb: Contest-ants 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. Tyson Hanson won the event in 2009.
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. Jeff Carlson won the event in 2009.
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. Brad Thompson won the event in 2009.
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. Jeff Carlson won the event in 2009.
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. Jon Flintoff and Peter VanVynck won the event in 2009.
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 thaqt are close. Jake Nicholas won the event in 2009.
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. Barry Rawson and Sonny Frick won the event in 2009.
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. Sonny Frick won the event in 2009.
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 father-son team of Bud and Tyson Hanson won the event in 2009.
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 2009.
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. Tyson Hanson won the event in 2009.
Single bucking: Contestants
