Loggers’ sports contests began long ago in the logging camps as a pastime among the men.
The first big Loggers’ Sports Day at Squamish was organized by Merrill & Ring camp superintendent George Percy in April 1927 on the occasion of the new railway operation’s first trainload of logs to hit the beach.
It was put on more for the enjoyment of the men than as a public entertainment. In fact, it seems the town was a little too much entertained by all the loggers visiting from their camp over in today’s Valleycliffe.
Policies were later implemented between the company and the village to discourage a repeat of some of the circumstances.
Nonetheless, later during the 1940s and 50s, loggers’ sports contest events would sometimes be organized in an open lot next to the old Elks’ Hall on Second Avenue.
The first of the modern loggers’ sports festivals was organized in 1957 by the Lions Club for the entertainment of the public and as a fundraiser for an ambulance.
It took place in a ball field at the corner of Buckley Avenue and Carson Place, with the log birling contest held in the Mamquam Blind Channel under the railway bridge.
The little growing community of Squamish needed three things in particular: an ambulance, a swimming pool, and a library building.
Squamish also needed park amenities. After all, the road from the Lower Mainland would soon be open, and a proper impression must be made for visitors. Active negotiations were underway to secure land for the original pool and loggers’ sports and fairgrounds sites, east of the high school.
One of the key figures in these community endeavours, and in the vision of a logging show designed as entertainment for the public, was Al Hendrickson who would become the first chair of a local loggers’ sports association.
Community response to the 1957 Fall Fair logging show was very enthusiastic. Plans got underway to include a full day of “contests of skill for loggers” in August 1958, within a four-day centennial celebrations program coinciding with Howe Sound highway opening ceremonies.
“This is one of the biggest entertainment affairs ever undertaken by the people of Squamish and indications are that it will be one of their biggest successes,” wrote The Squamish Times.
A huge motorcade of visitors was expected. The sports day would be held in the new park and proceeds would go to the community library project.
More than 7,000 cars came to the “Valley of Hospitality” over the weekend of celebrations. The “Loggers’ Day” was a tremendous success, featuring “logging demonstrations” for the public as well as competitions.
Three weeks later at the 1958 Fall Fair, the Lions Club organized another fundraiser festival for this loggers’ sports-mad town.
The following year, in August of 1959, Squamish logging operators pulled off, as described by the local newspaper, “one of the most successful logging exhibitions ever staged on the mainland.”
It was clear Squamish had something here to build on.
“As Calgary has its stampede, as Kelowna has its regatta, so can Squamish have its Loggers’ Sports Day.”
In 1960, proceeds from another successful Sports Day showcase of logging skills went toward the community swimming pool and the developmental disabilities association.
“Get Behind the Loggers’ Sports!” chimed the newspaper editor. “Spectators will see the finest logging skills, gasp at their daring and laugh at their rough and ready games and hijinks.
There will be the delightful experience of sinking into a huge loggerburger, sensing the tang of the barbecue pits.
There will be the noisy meeting of old friends, the reviewing of past experiences. There will be the pretty girls, the potato-chip kids, the anxious mothers.
Nothing can equal in spontaneous fun, thrilling sights and education features than the Loggers’ Sports Day. Invite your friends from the city, throw out the welcome mat …”
After 61 years, Squamish Days organizers supported by volunteers from six not-for-profit service groups and charities are still putting on unequalled, spontaneous fun and thrills for the public, and are still serving “loggerburgers” (Rotary Beef BBQ) and giving back to the community.
Loggers’ sports runs Aug. 2 to 6.
