Speak Timber Carnival

Men's Division: Competitors 18+ throw a double-bitted axe overhead at a fir round target from 24 feet. Best 3 out of 4 throws count (one "throw-away" shot allowed). Closest to the bullseye wins.

Women's Division: Same format as men's, but thrown from 21 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Double-bitted axe, minimum 2½ pounds, 24" minimum length, maximum 5" blade width.

Rules: Stepping over the throw line results in zero points for that throw.

History: Dating back to the 1940s, these competitions evolved from informal contests where lumberjacks tested their strength and accuracy after work. Our Timber Carnival has featured women's axe throwing for over 50 years!

Navigate an obstacle course carrying a choker (steel cable), jumping over massive logs to reach the final log where the choker must be secured accurately within marked lines.

Powder Puff (Women's) Division: Same as men's, except women may go around the center log instead of over it.

Timing: Starts when foot touches ground; stops when hand touches center log.

Requirements: Nubbin must be through the front side of bell; choker must rest within lines on wrapped log.

Safety: Wear any footwear at your own risk.

History: Choker setting was one of the most dangerous and essential entry-level positions in forestry, securing cables around felled logs for transport.

Men's Division: Run to grab a chainsaw at the base of a power pole (secured at 30° angle, 5 feet off ground). Run up the pole, cross the marked line, start the saw, cut off a 3" diameter limb tip, power off the saw, run back down, dismount, and sprint to the finish.

Women's Division: Same course, but instead of using a chainsaw, tie a marking ribbon in a secure bow around the pole tip.

Rules: Stepping over the line results in no time awarded. Contestants must touch the base line when descending or receive no time.

History: This event simulates the hazardous high-lead logging tasks of early 20th-century Pacific Northwest lumberjacks who worked on spar poles.

Race along nearly four full tree lengths strung together with log boom chains in the historic Rock Cove mill pond along the Columbia River. Run the full course to the marked line at the end.

Rules: Falling in the water three times results in disqualification. Contestants may jump in at the end or return to shore via log.

Safety: Wear any footwear at your own risk.

History: Derives from the dangerous job of log driving, where "birlers" moved timber along rivers and navigated floating log booms.

Competitors spend the morning preparing their own 4' alder log to regulation diameter. The log is secured in specially fabricated metal stands. Standing on the log with feet at both ends, choppers must completely cut through the log using a sharp chopping axe, often switching sides for speed.

Safety: Local Emergency Service Team on standby.

History: This event simulates manual labor techniques once used by woodsmen to fell trees, evolving from casual bets into highly technical competition.

Secure cables and binders between two marked lines on a loaded log truck. Precision is key—misplacement results in disqualification.

Timing: Starts when hand leaves cab guard; stops when hand touches cab guard.

Requirements: Wrappers must be between lines on front side of load.

History: Proper log load wrapping is essential for the safety of timber transportation.

Teams position themselves on either side of secured timber and saw through using a 60" straight-backed steel saw with double handles at each end. An oiler is provided for smoother operation.

Team Misery Whip: Two men

Jack & Jill: One male, one female

Technique: One hand on top, one on bottom; saw smoothly and swiftly until cut is complete.

History: Named for the intense physical pain and grueling labor required, the Misery Whip was renowned for felling enormous old-growth trees.

Adult competitors throw empty beer kegs (sized by gender) for distance. One practice throw, then two attempts for the record. Best of two throws counts.

Rules: Stepping over the line disqualifies that throw. Measurement starts from the front foot's position at release.

Note: This event does not count toward All-Around Points.

History: Adapted from Highland Games and Strongman competitions, this event tests explosive power through legs, hips, and core strength.

Format: Double elimination, bracket-style competition.

Two competitors stand on a floating log and attempt to force their opponent into the water by rotating the log with their feet. Many use "corkies"—boots with metal spikes for gripping wood surfaces.

Safety: Wear any footwear at your own risk.

This final event of the carnival sparks laughter, fun, and fierce competition!