This Saturday is Bowen’s annual Logger Sports Show, taking place at Veterans Park. The event features entertainment for all ages among the backdrop of an impressive set of athletic feats.
The main event lineup includes just about anything you can do on or around a tree stump. The always popular axe throwing perhaps boasts the widest range of competitors as throwers seek to hit the bullseye, or at least the wood target in general.
Organizer Gary Anderson says the event has become so popular there’s even going to be a kids version this year - albeit with plastic axes for safety’s sake.
Athletes will also take part in the choker race, where they secure a cable around a large log, the solo stock saw races and two-person cross cut races, as well as the hot saw showcases (ear covering is advised for this portion of the day).
There’s also the gravity-defying pole climb, where climbers quickly and nimbly scale a tree as fast as they can. Anderson says that the pole climb, like the majority of events at the competition, echo the tasks workers carried out on Bowen during the island’s extensive logging history.
In addition to Bowen competitors, those looking to try their hand at the logging sports often travel from Squamish, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Entertainment around the venue also includes a Gold Panning station for kids, food court featuring local butcher Erik Miller and Miller’s Meatcraft, a beer tent, and various vendors including a wood carver.
Early eliminations will take place starting around 9:30 am, with opening ceremonies around 11:30 and full competitions starting after that. Veterans Park can be found off of Salal Road, and there will also be a free shuttle bus running between the park and the Tourist Centre on Cardena Drive starting around 10 am.
The event opens to the public at 10 am, with the day wrapping up around 4 pm. More details can be found by visiting bowenloggingsports.com
