It started with singing and it finished with chainsaws loud enough to hear throughout the corridor. Squamish Days were on last weekend and organizers are calling it one of the best in recent memory.
"It was perfect," said Squamish Day's president, Ray Keyes. "The weather was perfect and the people were great and the crowds were outstanding."
Keyes said several events throughout the weekend really stood out for him.
"The Women and Song was a big hit. We really like that event and we are hoping to see it grow," he said. "But the highlight for me was winning the Bed Races with Art Tichauer's Kal Tire team, called Rays of Sunshine."
Keyes thought part of the success of the weekend was based on the large influx of tourists.
"We had one of the best turnouts from out-of-town visitors, which is good for us," he said. "I can't remember seeing so many people at the Elks Loggers Breakfast. It was definitely the biggest line-up I had seen."
Keyes thought the weekend had a good flow and he was happy the weather had co-operated.
"It just all went together," he said. "It was hot, but not too hot and we sold a few kegs of beer, which always makes us happy."
Debbie Patterson, who organizes the competitors for the Logger Sport's event, said the competitive side of the weekend put on a show for the crowds.
"Wade Stewart was logger of the day again. He was great. He won by a long shot," she said. "Nobody broke any records but there was no accidents either."
Dave Shannon, 25, formerly of Ontario, has been a local resident for less than a year had his first taste of the Squamish Days Parade on Sunday.
"This is straight-up cute," he said about the children running for candy tossed from the floats. "I love it - all the families and stuff. It is very community. I am going to check out the pro loggers this afternoon."
Const. Dave Ritchie said the weekend was also a success in terms of good behaviour from locals and visitors alike.
"We had no arrest related to unruliness and drinking," he said. "In particular the Stomp has been getting better over the last few years. The loggers are getting older I guess."
Next year will be the weekend's 50th anniversary and organizers are already getting set for the festival's birthday.
"It should be fun," said Keyes, who also said he will return as president.
