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President’s Letter .................................................... Pg. 5
LOGGERODEO™ is the trademark of the Loggerodeo. All rights reserved.
Cover Photo by Andy Porter Photography
Welcome to the Loggerodeo™!
Backin 1886 when the 4th of July celebration started in Sedro, it would be considered simple compared to how we celebrate nowadays. The purpose of the event was to celebrate our freedom and to have fun. They would read the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, let us thank and remember all of the men and women and young people who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Remember why we celebrate the 4th of July! We need to preserve events and items from our past so we can learn from our history – whether good or bad. Some Loggerodeo™ events have come and gone, but we have been able to continue this celebration and keep our history and tradition going. Now, it’s time for freedom, family, and friends!
In 1948, the celebration was officially named Loggerodeo™ in a local naming contest; it was that year that the fireworks were added. We are excited to bring back the Carnival, Kiddies and Grand Parades, Street Dance, Beard Contest (this year big prizes), Pie-Eating Contest, arts & crafts and food vendors at Riverfront Park, fireworks, and the Chainsaw Carving Competition. We are very proud to be officially known as the Chainsaw Carving Capitol of Washington State. We are hoping to bring back the Logging Exhibition but we are still working on this.
We start planning in September for the next year. I want to thank all of my board members and their families for all they do to make this event a success. Our board members this year are Bonnie Irish, Tonia Smiley, Tina Shields, Dan Martin, Shelby Hurley, Rose Torset, Paul Chandler, George Kenny, and Dale Irish. I also want to thank all the volunteers that stepped up to help this year: Kevin Lester, Shannon Lester, Matt Desvoigne, and Kelly Brooks. Without the board members, volunteers, and many sponsors we would not have a Loggerodeo™. Each year gets harder with the rising costs of things, but with our sponsors, we are able to pull it off. Stop in or when you meet one of our sponsors thank them for their continued support. Thank you to the Sedro-Woolley Lion’s Club and their families for all the hard work of organizing and lining up the Grand Parade each year. This is not an easy job.
Come celebrate with us and enjoy the different events. I hope you all enjoy, share memories, and make new ones. It’s a time for family fun, picnics, reunions, and lots of other fun. Please have fun and be safe, because every day is precious and tomorrow is not promised.
Dottie Chandler, Loggerodeo™ President
Letter from Julia Johnson, Mayor of Sedro-Woolley:
Iamhonored to have this opportunity to serve as Mayor of Sedro-Woolley, and welcome you to Sedro-Woolley, the Gateway City to the North Cascades. Sedro-Woolley hails the longest running Loggerodeo™ grand parade and celebration in the State of Washington and has always drawn large crowds.
Incorporated in 1898, Sedro-Woolley has held fast to its history, maintaining the hometown charm and annually celebrating the Loggerodeo™ festivities, which tells our story best. Organized in the early 1900s, The Grand Parade and Rodeo set the stage for events that offered something for everyone. The Carnival became part of the festivities around 1910, and since that time, a myriad of events has been added, including the 28th Annual Chainsaw Carving Championship, Kiddies Parade, live music at the Street Dance, Eagles Classic Car Show, historic Beard Contest, and famous Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace. All these events have become an established part of our celebration, and something we all look forward to each year. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the amazing display of fireworks that climax Loggerodeo™ and the 4th of July celebration; it is an exciting and impressive display at Riverfront Park, and something you do not want to miss.
Loggerodeo™ may be Sedro-Woolley’s largest celebration but we host several festivals throughout the year. From Blast from the Past and Founders’ Day to the Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, they all bring people together and create an atmosphere of community. When you come be sure to visit our excellent parks and enjoy watching sports teams play in one of our many playfields here in Sedro-Woolley.
Sedro-Woolley is in an idyllic location at the base of the North Cascades, with a myriad of trails. Boasting a healthy and friendly environment and an Americana feel, we continue to experience new growth and development in our city. That said, I extend an invitation and hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit us and participate in one or more of the Loggerodeo™ activities offered over the 4th of July celebration. I know you’ll have a wonderful time, make memories, and plan your return for next year. Happy 4th of July! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Julia Johnson, Mayor of Sedro-Woolley
Downtown Sedro-Woolley - Andy Porter Photography
History of the Loggerodeo™
Welcome to the world-famous Loggerodeo™, SedroWoolley’s official Fourth of July celebration. Independence Day festivities in then separate towns Sedro and Woolley began in 1886, making this the oldest Independence Day festivities in the state. The towns merged in 1898 and the festivities continued through both world wars and The Great Depression, though the size of the event and the specific activities varied. The festival was named Loggerodeo™ in 1948, which makes this year the 76th annual event under that name! The Loggerodeo™ has a tradition of bringing community members - past and present - together. Many old timers who have moved away make trips back to town to visit with friends and family and share in the annual celebration. Over the years, the festivities have varied in length; 2024 will run July 3 through July 6. This is good, oldfashioned family fun, and a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence and Sedro-Woolley’s logging history and small-town community feel.
previously had their own Independence Day celebrations.
The original Sedro-Woolley rodeo was held in 1914 and consisted of riding, racing, and roping exhibitions; it attracted ten thousand people from all parts of the Pacific Northwest. The rodeo continued on an irregular schedule until 1934 when community members decided to restore it at the grounds on Polte Road. The Rodeo expanded into a two-day event in 1946 and included calf and trick roping; bronco, steer and bareback riding; and bulldogging. In that year, $1,500 in cash prizes was awarded, including $150 to the best allaround cowboy.
The name Loggerodeo™ dates back to 1948 when John Conrad won a city-wide naming contest, sponsored by the returning World War II vets of the American Legion. He won a $25 cash prize. The year 1948 was special for the Loggerodeo™ as it combined two celebrations that had often been run separately during the week of July 4: logging contests and a rodeo. Many old timers still say that the 1948 event was the wildest Loggerodeo™ ever. A fireworks display was added along with the Street Dance in front of the Legion Hall on Murdock Street. The Ziegler Brothers Carnival had been introduced in 1946 and continued into 1948 and beyond. The year 1948 also marked the 50th anniversary of the merger of Sedro and Woolley towns, which had each
In 1948, the competitive logging events were expanded. Rules were codified for the Log Drive; originally nearly 12 feet long, the log was eventually standardized at eight feet with a 14-inch diameter. A crew would drop the log into the Skagit River from the Marblemount Bridge. The log was then followed downriver by a motor boat to ensure that it wasn’t stolen. Rodeo queen candidates sold raffle tickets to local gamblers who were trying to guess how long the log would take to float down to its destination at the Clear Lake Bridge. Depending on the depth of the river and obstructions in a given year, the trip varied 10 to 19 hours. For many years, a local radio station would announce updates on the log’s progress called in by Don Collen who participated in the event in one way or another for decades starting in the early 1960s. He was the Logging Show MC and a Log Show chairperson in the 1980s. The log drive ended in the 1990s but the Sedro-Woolley Lions Club brought it back in 2023 and it’s going strong this year!
Historical details were found in the Skagit River Journal and through the Sedro-Woolley Museum.
2024 Loggerodeo™ Event Schedule July 3 – July 6
Friday, June 28
7 p.m. - Friday Night Lights Barrel Racing
Saturday, June 29
9 a.m. - Western Washington Mounted Shooting
Sunday, June 30
9 a.m. - Western Washington Mounted Shooting
It’s always a good idea to check the Loggerodeo™ website and Facebook page closer to the event for any last-minute changes.
Friday, July 5
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Eagles Classic Car Show (registration at 7 a.m.)
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Eagles BBQ in the Parking Lot
Monday, July 1
12 p.m. - Decorated House and Business judging
Tuesday, July 2
5 p.m. - Kiddies Parade (line up between 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. behind Lemley Chapel. Judging at 4:30 p.m.)
6 p.m. - Latin Fiesta with special guest, PRCA Specialty Act, Felix Santana.
Wednesday, July 3
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Chainsaw Carving Competition
10 a.m. - Rascal Rodeo
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. - Arts & Crafts Fair
4 p.m. - Carnival opens
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Quick Carve
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Chainsaw Carving Competition
1 p.m. - Beard Contest at Hammer Heritage Square (register at 12:30 p.m.)
1 p.m. – 7 p.m. - Arts & Crafts Fair
1 p.m. - Carnival opens
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Quick Carve
5 p.m. - Quick Carve Auction
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. - Street Dance
Saturday, July 6
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. - Additional tag pickup for the Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace
Event applications can be found on loggerodeo.org under applications. Two ways to turn them in: Mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 Drop them off at the Loggerodeo™ office: 727 Murdock St. Unit 3. (Above the museum)
The official Loggerodeo™ T-shirt sale will begin during Blast from the Past on June 7-9 and continue July 3-6 at the Chainsaw Carving Championship. T-shirts cost $18.
The 2024 T-shirt design was created by a young artist from Sedro-Woolley, Mackenzie Bennett. She said, “I was heavily inspired by the logging history of Sedro-Woolley with the letters being carved out of the trees as well as our beautiful mountain views and rivers. I am super grateful for the love and support here as a small artist, thank you for the opportunity to show my work to the community!”
Thank you to our T-shirt sponsors: Skagit Farmers Supply Country Store (carvers and staff), Village Concepts, Judd & Black, Foothills Toyota, Freedom Entertainment Fireworks, Swinomish Casino/Hotel, The Walnut Tree (Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley).
Loggerodeo™ Events
Loggerodeo™ contact information:
Website: www.loggerodeo.org
E-mail: sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@ frontier.com
Phone: 360-770-8452
Event applications can be found on loggerodeo.org under forms. Two ways to turn them in:
Mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Drop them off in the mail slot at the Loggerodeo™ office: 727 Murdock St. Unit 3. (Above the museum)
The official Loggerodeo™ T-shirt sale will begin during Blast from the Past on June 7-9 and continue July 3-6 at the Chainsaw Carving Championship. T-shirts cost $18. The 2024 T-shirt design was created by a young artist from Sedro-Woolley, Mackenzie Bennett. She said, “I was heavily inspired by the logging history of Sedro-Woolley with the letters being carved out of the trees as well as our beautiful mountain views and rivers. I am super grateful for the love and support here as a small artist, thank you for the opportunity to show my work to the community!”
Thank you to our T-shirt sponsors: Skagit Farmers Supply Country Store (carvers and staff), Village Concepts, Judd & Black, Foothills Toyota, Freedom Entertainment Fireworks, Swinomish Casino/Hotel, The Walnut Tree (Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley).
Rainier Amusements
Carnival
The carnival is back with fun for the whole family! You can expect exciting amusement rides, rewarding and fun games, and delicious fair food concessions. Pre-sale wristbands are $30 for two games and unlimited rides on whatever day you choose to go. Tickets purchased at the carnival will cost $40.
Please check the Loggerodeo™ website or Facebook page for presale ticket times and locations.
Rainier Amusements has 60+ years of midway experience with an outstanding reputation. It is a family owned and operated company offering traveling amusement park entertainment at 30 events every year in the Pacific Northwest. The hands-on owner-operator management is their #1 asset and includes Mitchell Hoss as owner/president, Crystal Hoss as owner, and Chriss Hoss as concession owner/operator.
The team works daily to provide the safest and most memorable experience for fairgoers. The management team believes in providing the best in customer service and satisfaction to create customers for life. All employees are fully trained in all aspects of their roles and responsibilities and customer service. The organization’s goal every day is to create total teamwork with the most knowledgeable staff in the industry.
Rainier Amusements works closely with fair and event management, state inspectors and local authorities to ensure a safe and secure midway at all times.
Visit https://rainieramusements.com/ for more information.
Log Drive
The Log Drive is a historic event that was started in the 40s and ran until the 1990s. The Sedro-Woolley Log Drive was revived by the Lions Club in 2023, and it’s back again this year! A crew will drop a log into the Skagit River from the Marblemount Bridge where it will float to HWY 9 bridge in Sedro-Woolley. Based on past history, the trip is expected to take between 10-19 hours, depending on the depth of the river and any obstructions. You can buy tickets to guess how long the run will take this year. All tickets must be turned in by 5 p.m. on July 1. The closest guess takes 25% of proceeds and the other 75% will be donated to childhood cancer care. The winner will be announced on July 4.
Tickets are $5 and will be sold through Sedro-Woolley Lions Club members and participating locations. Please visit the Lions Club website (www.sedrowoolleylions.com/log-drive) for more information.
The Grand Parade, sponsored by Sierra Pacific Industries
The Grand Parade is a very special part of the Loggerodeo™. It begins at 11 a.m. on July Fourth and takes about 90-120 entrants through a milelong route from Sedro-Woolley High School through downtown and along Ferry Street. The 2024 Grand Marshal is: Rick Lemley.
Participants may use log trucks, decorated floats of all sizes, antique cars and trucks, or even old John Deere tractors, horses, or the funny pooper scoopers. There are often a few drill teams, race cars, and of course the Nile Shriners of Seattle. There are always marching units, a band or two, and fire trucks along with many local businesses, organizations, and church groups. For safety reasons, candy and other
Loggerodeo parade - Andy Porter Photography
items can be handed out but may not be thrown to the crowd.
The parade is organized by the Sedro-Woolley Lions Club that is celebrating 87 years of service to their community this year. The Sedro-Woolley Lions Club has been presenting the Grand Parade since before 1950. The Loggerodeo™ had become accustomed to asking the club to take on the task every year and then about 1950 the club officially took it over as their community project. There has been a Lions Club member on the Loggerodeo™ board since 1950. Long time Lions Club member Rose Torset is the lead parade organizer.
The parade is one of the biggest events in Sedro-Woolley and organizing such a large event takes a lot of effort from volunteers. Of the Lions Club’s 20 members, 7-10 are actively involved in putting on the parade along
with family members and other volunteers from the community. The work includes collecting parade applications, selecting judges and the grand marshal, and staging entries for the parade lineup. Anyone who is interested in becoming a Lions member can talk to any of the members at the parade or pick up an application at parade central.
Grand Marshal:
The Loggerodeo™ Lions Club Grand Parade Committee is pleased to announce Rick Lemley as the 2024 grand marshal. Rick is a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident who is actively involved in his community. As the retired owner, funeral director, and embalmer at Lemley Chapel, he began working with his grandfather, father, and uncle in 1975. He became a partner with his father in 1995 until his father’s retirement. Rick recently retired himself in 2020.
Rick served as a councilman on the Sedro-Woolley City Council from 2000 to 2018 and is an active member of Sedro-Woolley Rotary and the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce. He assists the American Legion in organizing their car show during Blast from the Past and is a dedicated participant in a variety of other civic and community projects. “I am honored to be selected as the 2024 grand marshal. I am used to being behind the scenes so, it’s nice to get this acknowledgement,” he said.
“When I was a kid, the Grand Parade started right in front of the funeral home. I started watching when I was just two years old. Later, when the Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace began, the start-line was behind the funeral home. I have a strong connection to the Loggerodeo™ and a sense of pride that we have the longest running parade in the State of Washington,” he said.
Fireworks Show, sponsored by Peoples Bank and the Loggerodeo™
Sedro-Woolley’s patriotic fireworks show is held at Riverfront Park at dusk on July 4. The park has a great “open view” of the night sky and there is ample free parking and room to enjoy the spectacular show. Fireworks are provided by Freedom Entertainment Fireworks of Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
Come early to picnic, stroll along the beautiful Skagit River, or tailgate in the parking lot across from the park.
Arts & Crafts Fair
The Arts & Crafts Fair is moving back to the Riverfront Park. It will be open July 3-6. Check the Schedule of Events for daily times. Download your application form on www.loggerodeo.org and mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley,
WA 98284 or drop it off at the Loggerodeo™ office above the museum by Friday, June 28. Contact the Loggerodeo™ at 360-770-8452 for more information.
Sedro-Woolley Jr. Log Show
The Logging Exhibition is back this
year but in a new format called the Sedro-Woolley Jr. Log Show! This will be a fast-paced, adrenaline pumping show featuring teens from any high school in the state (just graduating 8th grade though just graduating 12th grade). The show will take place at the log show grounds at Janicki Fields. on Saturday,
July 6 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and scoring from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will be “open pit”, so participants will benefit from starting on time.
A variety of vintage tools will be used for the events, including pole climbing with conventional spurs, axe throwing, choker setting, and single buck and double buck crosscut saw. For double buck crosscut saw, participants will work in teams of two as Jack and Jack, Jack and Jill, or Jill and Jill but boys and girls will be scored separately.
The event is being organized by Wayne Ramsey who taught logging classes where he ran chainsaws and skidders. He taught agriculture for 40 years and coached the logging teams at both Sedro-Woolley High School and White River High School. Over his 20-year tenure at Sedro-Woolley High School, the logging team was the undefeated state champions 20 years in
a row! Said Wayne, “I went to school in California where there was no high school FFA so I had to learn logging skills by hanging around people who were really good. I learned many tips and tricks from them over the years and practiced a lot. I have lived in Big Lake for 23 years. I like this community a lot. I like the way the businesses and parents support their kids. This new event is going to be a lot of fun. It will be a little different for Sedro-Woolley but other communities do this and it will give kids a chance to compete. It’s about time we did a Jr. log show.”
Please visit the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce for the parent permission application form then bring it filled out for same-day registration. Participants should arrive between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. to check in. Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 boys and top 10 girls.
Chainsaw Carving Championship
Join us for the 28th annual Chainsaw Carving Championship; the premier carving event of the Pacific Northwest in the “chainsaw carving capital of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest!” First organized by Rocky McArthur in 1996, the Chainsaw Carving Championship has always been a very special Loggerodeo™ event. Under the steady leadership of long-time pro carver, George Kenny, crowds come out year after year to enjoy the competition. Said Kenny, “This continues to be one of the premier and most sought-after events in the chainsaw carving community. As such, it is very challenging to limit the field to just 15/16 carvers. The decisions are not easy or lightly made when trying to bring the best possible carvers together for this event. Looking forward to this year as it will bring many of the best of
the best together for the first time.”
With 16 pro carvers competing, this is one of the largest fields in a few years. Look out for your favorites and some fresh, new faces. See the “Meet the Carvers” article at the end of the program to get to know them. As chainsaw art has moved into the mainstream, many of our participating carvers have been involved in movie and television shows and other events. It’s fun to see them on the screen!
Carvers work with six-to-eightfoot redwood and cedar logs to carve beautiful sculptures with themes such as Northwest wildlife and logging. “A nice truckload of cedar logs came from Beco’s Tree service out of Shelton Washington. The Loggerodeo™ made a big investment with multiple logging outfits to ensure that high-quality wood was available for the top-notch carvers in the lineup,” shared Kenny.
George Kenny of Allyn, Washington returns as the event’s carver coordinator and auctioneer. As a carver and former competitor himself, he has been closely involved with the carving industry for over 20 years, helping to coordinate carving shows around the country. He also knows the carvers personally, is familiar with their past and recent
accomplishments and has even competed against some of them. George travels across the U.S. doing custom works and shows. In 2004, he opened a first of its kind training facility called the George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving that has been instrumental in teaching the next generation of carvers. Students come from all over the country to take his acclaimed three-day course and many of these students go on to become champions themselves. Kenny currently organizes and auctions for The Northern California Championships, and the Monterey County Fair in California. George has been featured in TV spots with Alaska Airlines, Pemco, Ameri-
canExpress and on the show Treehouse Masters on the Discovery Channel. Look out for George’s exhibition carving and quick carves this year.
The competition is consistently held on the corner of Murdock and State streets but it has grown and changed over the years, which is part of what keeps the event exciting! This year will feature a four-day event with the chainsaw carving competition running 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., quick carves running 1:30pm to 2:45 p.m., and quick carve auctions at 5 p.m. July 3, 4 and 5. On July 6, the competition will run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the quick carve at 3 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. With over 40 hours to work on their master sculptures, there will be plenty of anticipation around the finished products and the judges’ picks on July 6. Help crown a “People’s Choice” winner and join in the celebration for this year’s winners!
Awards are granted to the top seven Best Overall Quick Carves and the top five main event carvings plus People’s Choice and Carver’s Choice. Thank you to Peoples Bank for sponsoring the 1st place main event carving and People’s Choice and to Wood’s Logging for sponsoring Carver’s Choice. Judges look for the following five criteria in choos-
ing the best competitors: artistic impact, effectiveness of design, use of material, difficulty, and craftsmanship. A portion of the event’s proceeds goes to support the Loggerodeo™, which provides the logs for the competition. Please bid on the wonderful carvings to show your support for the Loggerodeo™ and keep the carving competition going into the future!
Thank you to all the local sponsors who provided cash prizes, supplies, and volunteer time. Shout out to Farmers Equipment Company for supplying the forklifts and to Fastenal for supplying the water for the volunteers, carvers, and staff. This year George is proud to announce that Randy Jensen from Oregon Tool has returned as a major sponsor. They are sponsoring swag boxes of fun stuff at the carvers meet and greet and the corporate office is also putting $1000.00 toward the prize pool. Oregon Tool will have a trailer near the carving area sharpening chains and helping with saws and bars! Contact George at gknwman@yahoo.com for more information.
Patriotic Business and House Decorating Contest
In a long-standing tradition, about a dozen houses and a handful of businesses participate in the contest each year, decorating their home or business in Red, White, and Blue for the Fourth of July. A panel of local judges will rank the homes and businesses for best use of patriotic colors. Judging will take place on July 1 at 12 p.m.
Download your application form on www.loggerodeo.org and mail to P.O. Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or drop off at the Loggerodeo™ office above the museum by Friday, June 23. Call the Loggerodeo™ at 360-770-8452 for more information.
Pie Eating Contest
Do you love pie? Sign up to participate in our Pie Eating Contest! There will be three categories of participants: kids, youth, and 16 and over. The event will take place at Hammer Heritage
Square at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Participants should come at 11:45 a.m. to sign in but must pre-register through the online application form on the Loggerodeo™ website by Friday, June 28. (Pre-registration is required because space is limited to 10 people per age category).
Beard Contest, sponsored by KAPS/KBRC Radio
The annual beard contest is one of the oldest Fourth of July events in Sedro-Woolley and the longest running beard competition in the State of Washington; it’s been running since the 1930s (apart from a one-year break for Covid)! Tonia Smiley is organizing the event this year and judges will be brought in. This year’s contest will be held on Friday, July 5 at 12 p.m. Contestants should meet at Hammer Heritage Square at 11:45 a.m. to get their name on the list. Come to see a great selection of beards including red, white, and blue dyed beards, thick, long, short and scraggly beards. Prizes will be awarded to the following categories: Originality, Most Patriotic, Best Groomed.
Starting in June, 2013, then Sedro-Woolley Police Chief, Doug Wood, allowed his police officers to grow a
beard for the Beard Contest. The next police chief, Lin Tucker, allowed it again in 2014 and decided to continue it indefinitely. The contest has grown and shrunk over the last several years –ranging between 14 and 28 contestants since 2017. We are hoping for a big turnout this year! Contact the Loggerodeo™ at 360-770-8452 for more information.
Sedro-Woolley Rodeo
The Sedro-Woolley Riding Club board of directors is excited to announce the 90th anniversary of the Sedro-Woolley PRCA Rodeo. There will be a thrilling rodeo week with five days of free admission events, three days of rodeo performances, and a Latin fiesta! All events will include food and merchant vendors as well as a beer garden. Event organizers are ecstatic to be joining forces again with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA),
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and stock contractor Aces Wild Pro Rodeo to offer a very high-caliber show.
PRCA Specialty Act, Felix Santana, will be joining the show. Each year, there are surprise special events in addition to classic, featured events. Featured events include grand entry, stick pony races, steer wrestling, barrel racing, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, bareback riding, ranch saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and more. There will also be a rodeo clown for the kids.
Free admission events:
Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. - Friday Night Lights Barrel Racing
Saturday, June 29 and Sunday June 30 at 9 a.m. - Western Washington Mounted Shooting
Wednesday, July 3 at 10 a.m. - Rascal Rodeo. This is a rodeo for disabled individuals to experience what it is like to be a cowboy or cowgirl. This event is free to come watch. Participants must register in advance at www.rascalrodeo.org.
Saturday, July 6 and Sunday July 7 at 9 a.m. - Team Penning
Ticketed events:
Tuesday, July 2 at 6 p.m. - Latin Fiesta with special guest, PRCA Specialty Act, Felix Santana, and local Latin entertainment Cost: General admission tickets $15.00; 4 and under free on lap.
Wednesday July 3 at 6 p.m. - PRCA Rodeo - Woolley Tuff - Tough Enough To Wear Pink
Thursday July 4 at 3 p.m. - PRCA Rodeo, presented by Les Schwab Cost: General admission tickets $20 (ages 11-64), seniors (65 and older) & active military $15.00, youth (ages 5-10) $15.00; 4 and under free on lap.
On-site parking is $5. Gates open 2 hours prior to performances. Visit www.
sedrowoolleyrodeo.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Sedro-Woolley Rodeo
History:
The first Sedro-Woolley rodeo show as part of the Fourth of July celebration in Sedro-Woolley occurred in 1914 and consisted of racing, riding and roping exhibitions; it attracted thousands of spectators from all over the Northwest. Tickets cost less than 50 cents and broncs were saddled in the arena rather than the bucking chutes. The original rodeo continued off and on at the Polte Road location until 1934 when local promoters expanded the celebration into an annual tradition. Today’s rodeo continues the tradition of showing the duties of a working cowboy/cowgirl and his/her duties on the range. For many competitors, rodeo is more than a hobby; it is a career and a way of life.
2024 Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Queen, Gracie Aldridge
Gracie Aldridge is the 17-year-old daughter of Nick and Drew Aldridge, and sister to Ryder, Boyce, and Saige Aldridge. She is a Junior at Burlington-Edison High School. Growing up in Bow, Washington, she has spent most of her life outside, whether that be on a horse, at a rodeo, hunting and fishing, or spending time with family and friends. She has been on a horse since before she could walk, and rodeo is in her family genes as her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother were all former Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Queens.
She has carried a sponsor flag for the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo every year since she was five years old. Gracie has participated in 4H since she was nine years old, winning high point each year in performance. Starting her freshman year of high school, she switched from
Thank You Sponsors for 2024!
General Sponsors:
Sierra Paci c Industries (Parade) • Peoples Bank (Fireworks) • Banner Bank
Baxter’s Excavation & Tree Removal • BYK Construction Inc. • Cascade Pizza
Cedar Grove Dental • Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family • Farmers Equipment Company
Fastenal • Forge & Nail • e Garage Café/Shelley Shack
Janicki Logging • KAPS/KBRC • Keith Sorestad - State Farm Insurance Agent
Lemley Chapel • Les Schwab Tire Center of Sedro-Woolley • Northwest Propane
Oliver-Hammer Clothes Shop • Oregon Tool, Inc. • Paci c Party Canopies
Papé Machinery • Right Way Plumbing & Heating • Rob Graham Trucking
Scholten’s Equipment • Skagit Aggregates • Skagit Log Construction, Inc.
Skagit Readymix • Stiles & Lehr Attorneys at Law
Sunset Storage • e Skagit Casino Resort • Wood’s Logging
T-shirt sponsors:
Skagit Farmers Supply Country Store (carvers and sta ) • Village Concepts • Judd & Black
Foothills Toyota • Freedom Entertainment Fireworks • Swinomish Casino/Hotel e Walnut Tree (Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley)
Due to publication deadlines your name or organization may have been omitted. It will be appear on the Loggerodeo™ website and will also be announced at the Chainsaw Carving Competiton Awards Ceremony July 4th.
Event Locations & Race Route
EVENT LOCATIONS
A. Footrace Start & Finish
Any final decisions affecting the race will come closer to the event – please check our website for updates or call Kyle Rutherford at 360-856-4465. (check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. – staggered start times may be used)
B. Wood Carving Events
C. SW Museum Displays & Antique Tractors
D. Fireworks
E. Beard Contest (registration between 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
F. Eagles BBQ
G. Kids’ Pancake Breakfast
(Check the Sedro-Woolley School District Facebook page or call the ASB office at 360-855-3510 ext. 8)
Thanks, Sedro-Woolley.
I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference ever y day. Thank you for all you do.
Keith S ores tad, A gent
820 Township Street
Sedro Woo lley, WA 9 828 4
Bus: 3 60 - 8 55 -18 31
keith sorestad b7vo @statefarm.com
Hab lamos Español
performance to gaming. The past three years she has competed in gaming, sorting, breakaway, daubing, working rancher, and drill on the Washington State High School Equestrian Team (WAHSET). She has qualified for State multiple times, winning regionals her first year.
She is excited to carry the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Queen title and to promote the western way of life and the sport of rodeo. She has been dreaming of this since she was a little girl. She hopes to inspire little girls, just as she was inspired! She looks forward to celebrating the 90th year of the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo and representing this great rodeo all over Washington State!
Visit www.sedrowoolleyrodeo.com to find out about rodeo queen event dates such as the horsemanship clinic and royalty trail ride plus contest eligibility and royal duties.
Rodeo queen history:
The Sedro-Woolley Rodeo named its first queen in 1950, Glenda Rae Aldridge. A queen was chosen consecutively until 1953, followed by a break until 1971; after which it became an annual tradition. The Sedro-Woolley Rodeo queen is an ambassador for the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life; she represents the program with grace, integrity and professionalism.
Her reign is a 12 month-commitment, running January 1 through December 31. Competition for this title consists of horsemanship, public speaking, interviews, rodeo knowledge, appearance, and personality. Judges are chosen from throughout Washington State based on their knowledge and experience with rodeo but who have no personal knowledge and/or history with any of the contestants. During her reign, the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo queen travels to various rodeos, parades, public events, interviews, coronations, and school and charity events throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada as approved by the royalty directors and Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Board.
Kiddies Parade
The Kiddies Parade is for kids under 12! This is a great opportunity to celebrate the creativity of the city’s youth; the event has had about 25 participants per year in recent years but event organizers would welcome more participants. This year’s parade will take place on Tuesday, July 2 at 5 p.m. Please line up behind Lemley Chapel between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Judging will be handled by a community panel at 4:30 p.m. The parade lineup starts at Lemley Chapel then goes down Metcalf Street, turns right on Ferry Street, then right on Murdock Street. Parade categories include everything from decorated
bicycles to logging. Children must be in control of their entry. The grand prize winner has the option to participate in the Grand Parade on July 4.
Please visit www.loggerodeo.org for the complete list of entry rules and to download your parade entry form. Same day registrants are welcome. Contact the Loggerodeo™ office at 360-770-8452 with questions.
Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace
The 47th annual Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace will be held on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m. sharp. The 5.17-Mile Race and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk are accurately-measured and well-policed, historically attracting 600+ participants each year. Both races travel along the Fourth of July Grand Parade route. The middle section of the 5.17-mile race runs along the Skagit River while the 2-mile course
goes to the 1-mile turnaround and returns to the start/finish line. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three men and top three women in each race.
The races are sponsored by the Loggerodeo™ and Sedro-Woolley Rotary. The footrace has been a Rotary project for years; rotary members “man” the street corners along the race routes along with other organizational tasks. Long-time Sedro-Woolley Rotary board members, Brock Stiles and Kyle Rutherford, organize the event.
An additional race tag pickup will be held July 3 from 4-6 p.m. and check-in and same day registration will be 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the parking lot in front of the Sedro-Woolley High School gym. Get a free T-shirt when you pre-register; same-day registration shirts are $10 while supplies last.
Pre-registration: Visit www.loggerodeo.org or www.sedrowoolleyfootrace.
com for the registration form. Cost is $30 including a T-shirt. Mail or drop off registration forms to the Janicki Logging Office located at 103 N. Township St. by noon Friday, June 28.
Ages 14 and under and 70 and over are free (t-shirt not included), but must register day-of-race and receive a race number. If you want a T-shirt, it is a good idea to pre-register online at www. sedrowoolleyfootrace.com by 5 p.m., Friday, June 28.
Parking is available on the south side of the high school athletic field to avoid conflicts with parade activities. Please do not park in the gym parking lot. Call Kyle Rutherford at 360-856-4465 with any questions.
Sedro-Woolley Eagles Club FOE #2069 Events
Eagles Club parking lot: 1000 Metcalf Street
Call the Eagles Club at (360) 855-0530 for more event details
The Sedro-Woolley Eagles Club supports local agencies who protect and serve the community including police and firefighters, provides funding for medical research in areas such as kidney disease, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s and raises money to donate to the local food banks, families in need, the boys and girls club, and academic and sports scholarships.
The Eagles Classic Car Show and BBQ:
Membership drive! Open to the public! The car show will be on Sunday, June 30 at 9 a.m. and will shut down south Metcalf Street from State Street. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the cost is $15. Free to come enjoy the show! There will be prizes awarded by independent judges, plus a 50/50 drawing and raffle tickets at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a BBQ in the Eagles parking lot from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, and chips for sale.
BBQ in the Parking Lot on July Fourth:
The annual BBQ in the Parking Lot will be held on July 4 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. with hamburgers, hot dogs, and more for sale. There will be a mechanical bull from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and live music in the afternoon. Aim to Please will play from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and The Fender Benders will play from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Street Dance
The 2024 Street Dance will be held Friday, July 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the corner of Metcalf and Ferry streets at Hammer Heritage Square. We hope to get a good crowd out to enjoy the music of Aim to Please!
Aim to Please is a country and classic rock ‘n roll cover band sure to get the crowd going. They cover songs by Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and more. “The band is from Skagit County and we practice on Sundays at my place in Lyman,” said Rick. “This is our first time playing at the Loggerodeo™ Street Dance and we’re excited to have it on our calendar.” Band members are Kevin Gilbert, lead guitarist; Rick Tamman, guitar and lead vocalist; Kelly Haley, guitar; Morty Webb, bass; and Dave Wells, drums.
Event Organizers, Volunteers, and Sponsors
The Loggerodeo™ is run by an all-volunteer team headed up by President Dottie Chandler who took over eight years ago. Tonia Smiley has been Vice President since 2020. Organizing the event is a 12-month commitment and the Loggerodeo™ depends heavily on community support - both financial and participatory - to keep it going. The festivities cost $80,000 to $100,000 to put on; paid for by personal and business donations and sponsorships, and money raised through the carnival, T-shirt sale, and Quick Carve auctions. The more T-shirts that are sold and the more that is bid on carvings, the more money is raised for the Loggerodeo™! The Sedro-Woolley Carving Championships are known to carvers around the world. Said Dottie, “The Sedro-Woolley Carving Championships are always in high demand. Carvers from all over the world ask to compete. We actually have a waiting list! This year, we are excited to welcome four new carvers.”
Thank you to the event’s confirmed sponsors.
General sponsors: Sierra Pacific Industries (Parade), Peoples Bank (Fireworks), Banner Bank, Baxter’s Excavation & Tree Removal, BYK Construction Inc., Cascade Pizza, Cedar Grove Dental, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Farmers Equipment Company, Fastenal, Forge & Nail, The Garage Café/Shelley Shack, Hampton Family Forests, Hwy. 20 Hometown Pharmacy, Janicki Industries, Janicki Logging, KAPS/ KBRC, Keith Sorestad - State Farm Insurance Agent, Lemley Chapel, Les Schwab Tire Center of SedroWoolley, Northwest Propane, Oliver-Hammer Clothes Shop, Oregon Tool, Inc., Pacific Party Canopies, Papé Machinery, Right Way Plumbing & Heating, Rob Graham Trucking, Scholten’s Equipment, Skagit Aggregates, Skagit Log Construction, Inc., Skagit Readymix, Stiles & Lehr Attorneys at Law, Sunset Storage, The Skagit Casino Resort, Wood’s Logging.
T-Shirt sponsors: Skagit Farmers Supply Country Store (carvers and staff ), Village Concepts, Judd & Black, Foothills Toyota, Freedom Entertainment Fireworks, Swinomish Casino/Hotel, The Walnut Tree (Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley).
Check the Loggerodeo™ Facebook page and website for any sponsors who come in after publishing. Please contact the Loggerodeo™ at sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@frontier.com or 360-770-8452 to get involved or make a donation.
Meet the 2024 Carvers
The 2024 Chainsaw Carving Championship will include 16 world-class pro carvers from around the globe to compete against each other in this exciting four-day event. Meet the carvers in their bios.
Adrian Bois
Web: http://adrianbois.blogspot.com.ar
Facebook: /adrianboisart/
Phone: +54 3447 51-2290
E-mail: bois@live.com.ar
Adrian Bois is a professional chainsaw carver from Villa Elisa, Entre Ríos, Argentina. He studied electronics, engineering, administration, and international trade at different universities as he searched for the right direction. During this time, he was introduced to carving by making wooden toys, which led him to meeting chainsaw carving colleagues. He had found his calling. Today, he creates custom chainsaw art for companies, public entities, and individuals and conducts wood carving demonstrations and workshops. He also participates in chainsaw carving events and tours around the world. On his 2023 carving tour he visited several locations in Argentina, Germany, and the USA, including the Loggerodeo™’s Chainsaw Carving Championship.
Alexandru Pricob
Phone: 206-605-4169
E-mail: Alexdoesart82@gmail.com
Alex was born and raised in a small village in the Eastern European country of Moldova. He was an artist from an early age, starting with a love of drawing cartoon characters. In later years he expanded into oil painting on canvas.
In 2007, he moved his family to the United States in search of a better life. They settled in Renton, Washington.
“In the summer of 2009, I went to a wood carving show in Ocean Shores and fell in love with what I saw. I went home and tried to do some wood carvings myself, and I thought they turned out very good. Since then, I have been carving sculptures out of lumber, using the chainsaw”, he said. Alex went on to win second place in the semi-pro division in Ocean Shores; first place for the most money maker; and first place for the quick carve. In 2015, Alexandru won second place for carvings bringing in the most money at the carving festival in Arlington, Washington. He has participated in many street fairs, wood carving shows, and competitions.
In December, 2016, Alex and business partner Don Benson opened a shop in McKenna, WA, east of Yelm, to carve and sell their art. They are slowly turning it into a carving studio.
Bob King
Web: www.chainsawking.com
Facebook: /ChainsawKing
Phone: 253-686-8983
E-mail: Bob@chainsaw-art.com
Bob started carving in the fall of 1998 after seeing a local carver at the fair. He worked at Boeing and carved on the side until he was laid off in 2000, which prompted his move into full-time carving. More or less a self-taught carver, Bob continues to grow in this art form by learning from other artists and pushing himself to try new things. Bob carves anything from realistic wildlife sculptures to scenes from life as he sees them.
Bob is the owner of Bear Necessities Sculpture, LLC where he keeps busy filling orders for both private and corporate customers. King entered his first competition after carving only three bears and has been competing ever since. Bob was one of the original members of the EchoUSA Carving Team; having been asked to join in 2005. King is the main carver for Burton Snowboards, handling their custom jumps for snowboard runs. He has traveled to Daytona for Bike Week, carved at the Pocono 500 in Pennsylvania, participated in Harley Davidson’s 105th anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worked in conjunction with Lucas Films and Disney.
In 2010, Bob was honored with a star in the Carvers Walk of Fame in Mulda, Germany for winning more competitions than anyone in the world! Bob was honored with a fourth-place award for Best Overall Carver in the 2014 Loggerodeo™ carving competition. His winning carving was then purchased by Loggerodeo™ and donated as a memorial to the town of Oso for the mudslide. He has been invited to represent the United States in competitions in Germany, England, Scotland, Denmark, Holland, and Canada. He lives in Edgewood, Washington and carves all around the United States while not at home or traveling abroad. You can follow his travels on both his website and Facebook page.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Brandon Kroon has been passionate about creating, fixing, and working with his hands ever since he could remember. Entering the chainsaw carving and sculpting scene in 2013; he has done a wide selection of artworks, projects, and commissions throughout Australia.
Finding his own personal style in the industry, Brandon is grateful to regularly compete internationally. He has placed in a number of international competitions, most recently winning the US Open International Carving Competition in 2022, along with receiving the Carvers Choice Award.
Brandon is passionate about pursuing a high level of creativity, originality, and quality through his sculptures by exploring an array of subjects from wildlife, human form, and environmental sculpture, through to mechanical, geometric, and abstract themes. He shared, “I cannot wait to plant my feet in the soil and sawdust of Sedro-Woolley, and take part in the action of Loggerodeo™ for the first time!”
Chris Foltz grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland but now lives in North Bend, Oregon with his wife and four sons. In
the 2014 Chainsaw Carving Championships he was honored with the People’s Choice and Best Overall Carver award. He is a competitive wood and ice power sculptor and a Chef instructor at OCCI. Foltz paid his own way through post-secondary, graduating with dual degrees in baking and cooking from Baltimore International Culinary College.
Chris started out making ice sculptures through his work as a chef about 15 years ago. In April, 2005 Chris took three days of formal ice sculpting instruction from Mike Vosburg in Richmond, VA. Three months later he entered his first competition, the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championship in Reedsport OR., where he won “rookie” of the year. Now, Chris is the only professional sculptor that is competing in both wood and ice at a world-class level, averaging twelve competitions a year and regularly placing in the top ranks. He has also been influenced by iconic individuals including Bob and Cindy King who were the first and most important to influence Chris as a sculptor.
Foltz is best known for designs of original characters, comic book heroes, large animals of imagination, re-creations of strange animals and sculptures of children. Said Chris, “We always completely enjoy our time in Sedro-Woolley! My family has been lucky enough to be part of the show for years. The best artists and a great organization for the show. The town is fantastic as well.”
Born in Moldova, Constantin is now a custom wood carver from Sacramento, California. Constantin won first place in the semi-pro division of the 19th annual Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship.
Said Constantin, “I had a passion for the arts since I was a young child, so I attended an art school in my home country. My second passion has always been animals and after I moved to the U.S., I was able to combine these two passions into wood carving. My good friend Alexandru Pricop mentored me and I have been carving for several years now. I am now happy to be able to provide carving lessons through my business. As a full-time pro-carver I work in flat wood and 3D and I also try to combine sculpture and painting as much as possible. I like to represent nature and its beauty, animals, and moments from their daily life: movement, moods, and their ordinary behaviors. Carving inspires me to want more from life; helps me express my feelings. I carve wood and wood carves me into a better person. I look forward to carving new works full of inspiration at this year’s championships. I am excited to participate!”
Jacob Lucas, a resident of Bonney Lake, Washington, has been carving since 2004. An artist his whole life, he has been drawing since the age of five. Throughout the years he has worked in many mediums such as drawing, clay sculpting, digital design, glass blowing, and now, chainsaw art.
Carving became a dream of his when his grandmother would buy the cute carved bears at the local fair. At age 13, he thought it was something he could do, so he saved his money and purchased a small saw. His dreams were cut short because two weeks later his new saw was stolen from his garage. Being only 13, he pretty much wrote off trying to become a carver until 11 years later when his grand-
mother read an article in the paper about a carver and reminded him of his dream so long ago.
She offered to buy him a saw and from then on, he was hooked. A few years in, he decided to try competition, entering the Reedsport divisional in Oregon and taking 2nd place in the semi-pro division. Coming back the next year, he entered as a pro and took 8th place amongst 30 of the best carvers in the world. He went to the Huskycup in Germany to represent the U.S. with teammate, Bob King, and together they took second place out of seven other competing countries. He also has many awards from the Sedro-Woolley Carving Championships: 3rd place in the main event and Carvers’ Choice in 2018; 2nd place in the 2019 main event; and 2nd place Quick Carve and Quick Carve highest total in 2022.
Jacob carves full time and takes custom orders. He has spent many summers sculpting a total of 30 trees over twelve feet tall for the city of Bridgeport in Eastern Washington and he has a 10-foot nutcracker in the town square of Leavenworth, Washington.
Jarrod Flowers
Facebook: /jarrodf22
Instagram: /jarrod.flowers/
Phone: 707-349-3677
E-mail: jflowers777@gmail.com
Based out of Lakeport, California, Jarrod has been carving since 2018. Flowers grew up in Arkansas, but moved to California where he luckily decided to stop at Mark Colp’s shop looking for mill scraps for a garden box. The rest is history. Said Jarrod, “Mark became my mentor and carving my meditation. My favorite themes to carve are nautical and wildlife, however, the ultimate goal with any creation is to make it beautiful and lively.” In 2023, he competed in Yreka, Reedsport, Ocean Shores, and Sedro-Wooley. Said Flowers, “Sedro has been an awesome experience and I am looking forward to returning to this highlighted event!”
A Colorado resident since 1989, Srholez is an artist, wood sculptor, and performance wood and ice carver
who is inspired by travel, landscapes, and culture. Before founding Sweetwater Trading Post in 2009, he honed his chainsaw skills during the two decades he spent building log homes.
Joe has been professionally competing and creating work since 2015. Imbued by a boundless sense of creativity, he has since participated in many mastery-level wood carving events and ice shows. Joe’s creations are the result of an eclectic interest in global folk art, architecture, music, and an instantly recognizable sense of signature humor. His grandfather – who was a master gold, silver, and coppersmith who created pieces for Tiffany and Co. and Cartier — is one of his major influences.
He currently resides in Sweetwater, CO with his pets and youngest daughter Fara, and works from a hand-constructed home studio.
Mark Colp
Facebook: /mark.colp
E-mail: markcolp@hotmail.com
Mark Colp was born in Alberta, Canada and is proud to make chainsaw wood sculpting his life. He became a professional chainsaw sculptor right out of high school and has
over 40 years’ experience in the business. Mark has a long list of accomplishments and is an award-winning wood sculptor with a shop in Lakeport, California. His many awards include winning the chainsaw carving invitational grand championship in New Mexico in 2013; winning the Redwood Regional in Ukiah, California in 2014; and first place at Reedsport Oregon 2015 Albuquerque Fiesta Cup.
Mark was featured on seven out of 10 episodes of the reality show “Saw Dogs” that aired in Canada, the USA, Latin America, and Mexico. He also worked on a TV reality series for Carver Kings that began airing in 2015. Mark’s satisfaction in carving comes from the happiness that he is able to bring his customers through his art. His favorite sculptures are nautical themes and marine animals. Said Mark, “It’s my passion to create beautiful sculptures from wood that everyone enjoys. I love competing with some of my best buds and watching their awesome ability to create.”
Mike Ayers can carve just about anything with a chainsaw. His journey started when his uncle asked if Mike could carve a bear. He did, but it took him two days, and he wasn’t happy with the results. Nevertheless, Mike’s neighbor bought it, so Mike kept carving. Today, with several years of chainsaw carving behind him, he holds the world record for most bears in an hour at thirty-eight.
At his Mountain Mike’s Whetstone Woodworks in Maggie Valley, large tree trunks lie in wait for their transformation at the hands of Mike’s chainsaw and imagination. As a competition carver, Mike has traveled to events all over the world. His work portrays lifelike sculptures carved from wood mostly sourced from the surrounding counties. He generally carves on-site, but he also carves standing trees on-location.
Visitors to Mountain Mike’s Whetstone Woodworks will see carvings of all kinds. Many are lifelike portrayals of the animals found in the western North Carolina mountains. But Mike also carves super heroes, recognizable figures from history, and anything that a customer wants or that he can dream up. Visitors can also watch, from a safe distance, as Mike carves his creations on-site.
Nick Bielby
Facebook: /nicklbywoodcarving
Instagram: /nicklbywoodcarving
Phone: 360-477-7229
Nick Bielby has been carving for seven years and 2024 will be his fifth year at the Sedro-Woolley Chainsaw Carving Championships. Nick has also carved at several other competitions on the West Coast. In 2019 he placed first in the semi-pro division in Reedsport, which got him invited to Sedro-Woolley. Nick now has his own carving store in Port Angeles where his works are on display. Said Bielby, “I love to carve mostly wildlife and also enjoy competing in the carving world. I look forward to where carving will take me. Some people see a log laying on the ground. I see a bear or dragon. I’ve discovered that a chainsaw can work much like a paintbrush, and wood is canvas.”
Growing up in Reedsport, Oregon, Ryan displayed artistic abilities. He was introduced to chainsaw carving just shortly after turning 16 and became hooked on the art. Today he is a pro chainsaw sculptor, pumpkin sculptor, a member of the Makita carving team USA, and the Food
Network’s Season 2 Outrageous Pumpkins champion. Ryan started his chainsaw carving career in June of 2005 after being apprenticed by Tracie Brittenfield of Packwood, Washington. After graduating from Reedsport High School in 2007, Ryan began carving full time and attending more competitions. Ryan worked under Mark Colp during the winters of 2007 through 2011 learning more of the trade, which was hugely beneficial to Ryan’s sculpting career.
Ryan began as one of the youngest amongst his competitors, quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. During his pro career, Ryan has earned many awards. Some of his most recent include 1st place and the People’s Choice award at the 2021 Sedro-Woolley Chainsaw Carving Championships. In 2021 he also earned 1st place, People’s Choice, and Carver’s Choice awards at the Reedsport Chainsaw Carving Championships. In 2021, he was named champion of the Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” carving competition. He has competed in many international events including the English Open where he took second place.
Anderson is the performing artist for Sculptures in Motion and has been sculpting professionally since 2006. He was a highlighted carver on the reality show “Saw-Dogs.” In 2009 at the age of just 20, Ryan was invited to represent top of the line power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna. To this day Ryan creates “one-of-a-kind experiences” with inspiring sculptures using Husqvarna’s power tools.
Anderson enjoys a good challenge and using his imagination to come up with some very unique pieces of art. He also enjoys inspiring his fellow artists with his skills and techniques to help others learn the craft. Ryan credits his success to the selfless dedication of his family, friends, and many of his fellow carvers that were willing to inspire him and help guide him along the way.
Wood Sculpter, Ryan Villiers, is no stranger to creating unique, detailed, and memorable pieces that are sure to capture attention, commemorate significance, or showcase your business or interests. He creates everything from large animals such as bears, cougars, and birds to super hero and fantasy characters. He will even recreate pets and specific people. Villiers carved Rambo and Sheriff Tessie for the town of Hope, B.C., where the first Rambo movie was filmed. Recently, Canadian icon, Ron Maclean gave props to Ryan for a carving he created of legendary hockey commentator, Don Cherry.
Villiers pours his talent and passion into every single piece he creates. He is an award-winning artist who is no stranger to international acclaim. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Villiers has sold commissions to customers across Canada and throughout the United States. He has even shared his talents on the Jennifer Hudson show in L.A twice. “I’m excited to attend the Loggerrodeo™ finally. It’s been on my bucket list and I look forward to seeing some familiar friends as well as meeting new ones,” he said.
Steve Backus
Phone: 360-579-3574
E-mail: bigshot@whidbey.com
Steve Backus is a native of the great Pacific Northwest, born in Spokane, Washington and raised mostly on the Olympic Peninsula and southeast Alaska. Steve is a second-generation chainsaw carver to his mother, Judy McVay, which means that he has been in and around the logging culture that dominated the Pacific Northwest his
whole life. Chainsaws and trees were around in a big way.
Steve has been carving in chainsaw carving competitions since the very first one in 1981 at the Puyallup Fairgrounds in Washington State. With perseverance and a steadfast determination, he has gone on to being beat in more chainsaw carving contests than any other carver on Earth! As he traveled this path and learned much, he started to get involved in the organizer end of carving competitions to help develop what have become some of the standard guidelines in use in many chainsaw carving competitions to this day.
Steve has participated as a pro carver at most of the Sedro-Woolley Carving Championships over the years. He reflects on what a nice community Sedro-Woolley is and how the 4th of July celebrations are a fine example of small-town America with a well-educated chainsaw carving buying public. He states, “It would be fair to say that Sedro-Woolley is the chainsaw carving capitol of Washington State!”
Steve is a published author with his first book called “You’ve Got to Be Shitting Me” all about growing up in the Tramp Logger culture and being raised as a chainsaw carver cub. You can check out this fine piece of literature on Amazon.
Wade Lapp
Web: https://wadelappscreations.com/
Facebook: /WadeLappCarver
Instagram: /wadelapp
Tiktok: @WadeLapp
Phone: 360-703-5126
Email: wadelapp11@gmail.com
Wade Lapp has been a professional multimedia artist since 2012. He carves in multiple mediums, including
wood, pumpkins, and ice, and sculpts in sand and clay. Lapp is from Kelso, Washington. He started competing in chainsaw carving at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Championship as a semi-pro where he placed 3rd. Soon after, he competed in the Sedro-Woolley Chainsaw Carving Championships and placed 5th in 2022. He also earned 2nd place at the World Ice Art Championship Multiblock in Fairbanks, Alaska in 2021 and won People’s Choice in Multiblock in 2022. He took 1st place at Texas Sandfest in Port Aransas in the semi-pro division in 2021 and 2022. He moved up to Masters in 2023 and won People’s Choice. Lapp likes to carve mythical/whimsical creatures, faces, wildlife and sea creatures. He will have many wood sculptures displayed at Spirit of Halloweentown in 2023, a six-week event that takes place in Saint Helens, Oregon in September and October. His two walk-through attractions/ exhibits are called Whispers in the Woods, which showcases a lot of his tree spirits carvings and the Pumpkins and Sasquatch Walk, which features his wood carved pumpkins with faces and sasquatches, giant snails, mushrooms, and other creatures in the woods. Wade is looking forward to the Sedro-Woolley Carving Championships, “I feel excited about participating at the Loggerodeo™ event. It’s a great competition from world-renowned carvers. It’s an honor to be part of this event.”
Sedro-Woolley Museum
TheSedro-Woolley Museum has been a special part of the Sedro-Woolley community for more than 30 years. The museum celebrates the city’s evolution from its frontier origins to the present day, making it a beloved resource for both Sedro-Woolley locals and visitors from around the country and the world. The museum is operated by an all-volunteer staff of Sedro-Woolley residents and most exhibits were built with materials donated by members of the community. JoEllen Kesti was elected as museum board president and executive director in November, 2022. She, alongside her equally passionate board members and volunteers, aims to keep the museum alive for many generations to come.
The museum volunteers work to refresh and add new exhibits every year to keep things interesting. This year, the team is celebrating the expansion of the Northern State Hospital exhibit. “We’ve created an operating room with an operating table from Northern State. There will be new artifacts and stories, along with the history of our local doctors and hospitals,” said JoEllen.
This winter and spring, the museum’s
exterior was updated and repainted and the exterior artifacts were organized and moved to the south side of the building to make them more accessible for viewing. The museum’s entrance is decorated with Carnegie light pillars and other memorabilia salvaged from the old library. Exhibits include the Cokedale Mine and the replica of a frontier town, with a barn, blacksmith shop, and school house. The Main Street exhibit has a life-like post office, jail, saloon, bank, and newspaper office. Other exhibits feature railroads, logging, tributes to the military and the town’s “Founders, Movers, and Shakers”, and the Skagit Steel gallery that highlights one of the city’s major local industries. In August,
2023, the museum collaborated with the Upper Skagit Tribe to create a large exhibit featuring the rich history of the people of the Upper Skagit Tribe.
The Research Library is always growing with new archival collections, photographs, maps, newspapers, and other materials that help researchers and families find answers to their questions about the area’s history and past community members. The Gift Shop offers a fun, fresh selection of books and postcards about local history. Locally made gift items such as candles are available, as well as museum T-shirts, travel mugs, and hats. There are also a variety of historical treasures available for purchase, including tea towels with recipes from the 1921 Sedro-Woolley Women’s Club, a historical map from 1913, and a historical Northern State Hospital calendar (available in August, 2024).
The Sedro-Woolley Museum’s annual membership drive is in January, but people are welcome to join in person or on-line throughout the year.
Locally owned & opera ted by local fishermen & women.
Featured Events
Many special events offer a variety of experiences. Check the museum’s website, or follow the Facebook or Instagram pages for upcoming monthly events.
Blast from the Past: June 7-9, 2024
The museum will be open Friday, June 7, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For the Love of Northern State: August, 22-25, time TBD
Starting at the Sedro-Woolley Museum with guided tours in the afternoon. Please check the museum website for updates on this event.
Founders’ Day Weekend: September 14-15
Kickball tournament at Tesarik Field, Saturday, September 14, time TBD
Auction at Eagle Haven Winery, Sunday, September 15, time TBD
Please check the museum website for updates on these events.
Halloween: October 31, 2024, noon to 5:30 p.m.
The museum will be open until after the Children’s Halloween Parade to
hand out candy to the kids.
Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts with Santa: December 14, 2024, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to make a craft with our special guest: Santa. Cookies and cocoa will also be served. Parents are welcome to take pictures of their kids visiting with Santa in the photo booth. Check the website or social media pages for more information.
The Holiday Home Tour: December 14, 2024, 5 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
The Holiday Home Tour is the Sedro-Woolley Museum’s main annu-
al fundraiser. The event was started in 1988 and then occurred every two years until 1994 when it began running every year until a break during Covid, but it’s back! Tickets are $20 when pre-purchased at the museum starting after Thanksgiving or $25 at the door. The evening starts with an open house at the museum at 4 p.m. where maps with addresses will be handed out for the self-guided tour. The event draws participants from all over who drive or walk to see the inside and out of local heritage houses and buildings that are beautifully decorated for Christmas. Dress for winter weather and bring a flashlight.
Contact Information:
Website: www.sedro-woolleymuseum.com
Address: 725 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: 360-855-2390
E-mail: swmuseum@comcast.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WoolleyMuseum
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ sedrowoolleymuseum/
Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, noon – 3 p.m. There is a $2.50 suggested donation to enter.
Research library: available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. To make an appointment, call the museum at 360-855-2390.
