Day in and day out, most loggers work alone in the woods with no chance to show off their skills. That's one reason why so many of them make it to the Vermont Forestry Expo, the big annual event sponsored by the Vermont Forest Products Association. The logging industry's version of the rodeo or roundup (it used to be called the Lumberjack Roundup)takes place this year at the Rutland Fairgrounds on July 23 and 24.
Anyone can sign up for the competitions. You can try your hand at such things as speed log loading, crosscut sawing, tree felling or log rolling. If you used to be more fit and ambitious than you are now, you can just watch the experts and have a great time. It's not all competition, of course. There are always lots of exhibits as well as matches of skill, along with demonstrations and door prizes.
For more information or an entry form, contact Roberta Borland at the Vermont Forest Products Association office: 802-533-9212.