The annual lumberjack competition came roaring to life April 27 at the Geauga County Maple Festival, drawing competitors from all over the region for the two-day event.
The annual lumberjack competition came roaring to life April 27 at the Geauga County Maple Festival, drawing competitors from all over the region for the two-day event.
“The lumberjack competition is always a huge draw,” said Jen Freeman, longtime competition co-chair with Ken Freeman. “It is an event that originated from the founding maple festival (in 1926). Folks love seeing the competition and the athletes. Some of the competitors are on the Stihl (Timbersports) Series and can be seen on (ESPN). With 11 sawing and chopping events, there are thrills on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a unique event.”
At least $4,800 was awarded in prize money for the lumberjack competition.
This year’s event had several tight races with competing times coming down to hundredths of a second. Spectators filled the bleachers and stood all around the arena.
The competition comprises 11 different contests — seven chainsaw, two crosscutting, one axe-throwing and one chopping competition.
Both men and women can participate in all the events with this year’s athletes and competitors hailing from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, New York, West Virginia, Iowa and Quebec, Canada.
Grant Foreman, of Marysville, a three-time finalist and four-time semifinalist in the Stihl Timbersports Series — held at the end of July in Milwaukee, Wisc. — has enjoyed competing at the maple festival every year since 2016.
While regional events such as the maple festival allow competitors to build their resume, they do not directly correspond to Stihl rankings, Foreman said.
“I am currently ranked 10th nationally, but hope to improve on that this year,” he said. “Last year, I was able to win the crosscut event and place in a number of other events. I’m excited to compete again this year alongside some of the best in the country.”
He added, “My favorite part of the sport is entertaining the crowd while continuing to perfect our craft. Teaching people about the sport and its history is also enjoyable for me and a big reason I do a number of demonstrations throughout the year.”
Foreman said the comradery and friendships he has built in the sport are irreplaceable.
“Every event feels like a family reunion of sorts,” he said. “Being the first competition of the year, we get to see all of our friends who have been hibernating all winter waiting to get back on stage.”
He also loves sampling Geauga County’s award-winning maple syrup.
“We travel across the northeast for a number of competitions and enjoy trying the syrup in different regions,” Foreman said.
Chardon is the perfect setting for the season’s inaugural lumberjack sporting event, Foreman added.
“It is the first competition of the season and the crowds are knowledgeable and consistent throughout the day,” he said. “The venue right in the middle of the festival is intimate and gives us a chance to speak with the patrons and answer any questions. It includes the highest number of chainsaw classes of any show, which makes it unique and a huge draw for the racing community.”
Freeman complimented Foreman’s skill this year and said she enjoyed crosscutting with him and taking first-place.
“I had a great time today and finished well,” Foreman said. “Four first-place finishes and four second-place finishes. This was my best performance in all of the years coming to Chardon.”
