The Al McIntosh Logger Sports Grounds provided the stage for the 50th edition of Logger Days last weekend, attracting some of the best loggers sports competitors from around the world.
Visitors got a chance to check out newcomers making an impact on the scene at the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds during the Novice and Intermediate competition Saturday (Aug. 4). And on Sunday (Aug. 5), the world's fastest, swiftest and bravest held their own in the World Class Open.
Loggers Sports MC Al McIntosh said the event's appeal reaches over boulders and across oceans.
"I think what brings people back to Squamish is that this is the best show in North America," said McIntosh.
The effort of sponsors and volunteers leaves a lasting impression on all those who compete, said Brandon Hintz of Seabeck, Washington.
"It's my favourite show," said Hintz, who took home first in both the intermediate obstacle pole bucking and novice birling and second in the intermediate powersaw race. "The whole timber sports community is really like a family.It's all brothers and sisters, moms and dads out there."
Locals were well represented on Saturday with Squamish favourites lining up to make their mark. Garibaldi Highlands resident Jason Sinnes placed second in the chokerman's race, one of the five events he took part in. Local favourites (and Loggers Sports president) Bryan Couture and Allan Carson took a break from helping out with the show to compete in a number of events. Couture was also part of the newly created Masters division and finished within the top 10 for the powersaw race. Allan Carson finished in the middle of the pack for the underhand chop, the chokerman's race, team relay and the obstacle pole bucking Canadian championship.
The weekend culminated on Sunday with the event's most prestigious trophy, Logger of the Day, going to Carson Bischoff, a 24-year-old arbourist from Celista, B.C. Bischoff earned the title by taking first in the obstacle pole bucking, speed bucking, and chokerman's race events.
"This is the 'Masters' of Logger Sports," said Bischoff comparing the annual show to golf's biggest tournament. "It's not just local people here but [competitors] from other countries."
Loggers Sports are a family affair for the Bischoffs. Carson's father Karl is Canadian Champion in several events and the two have squared off on a number of occasions. The elder Bischoff would have competed in Squamish were it not for a shoulder injury. Carson's cousin Bill Bischoff did make it, and got second in the speed bucking event while finishing third in three other competitions. Bill also took home hardware as Sportsman of the Day.
Competitors from all over British Columbian took part in nearly every event. Stirling Hart of Mission and Lindsey McGill from North Vancouver finished first and second respectively in the novice underhand chop. And despite finishing last in the underhand chop, North Vancouver's Jacqulin McNicol received rousing applause from the crowd and fellow choppers and went on to win her heat in novice birling, placing her third overall.
Dan Steele and Ben James were some of the far-flung competitors, making the trip across the Pacific from New Zealand. James took second in the novice birling and third in the novice underhand chop. James also placed third in the novice axe throw and standing block chop.
Squamish Days Loggers Sports chief organizer and chair John Hurford said what separates Squamish from some of other competitions are the facilities and personnel.
For the last 25 years the Al McIntosh Logger Sports Grounds has been set up to handle up to seven events and at least 10 positions can be used at one time, compared to the usual two, said Hurford.
"Our turnover time is tremendous, which means less time setting up and less confusion for competitors and the crowd. We decided a long time ago that we didn't want to water-down the sport."
Loggers appreciate the attention to detail exhibited by the organizers and the feedback from fans and competitors has been overwhelmingly positive, said Hurford.
"We put on a world-class competition so we have to meet world-class standards."
