Woodsman Day
The county fairs in Maine had woodsman day. Excuse me, ‘women’ day also. The best group was ‘Chicks with Axes’ well at least the name. In one place they put a Coke can (full) in the bullseye for the axe to hit. Sawing, chopping and other assorted timber skills were contested. The loudest were the chainsaw events. Cut down a tree, yes, there was a contest for that as well. For the participants this was really serious stuff. The trees were erected like telephone poles. It’s the last event. The trunks are trimmed to the same diameter. Bring a sharp axe and wear a shin guard. No bleeding this time.
Beard is optional. But there are some folks who don’t seem to get out too much into the world.
What would a competition be without a two man hand saw event? You need rhythm and a good partner on the other end.
But it’s the chainsaw that has made all the difference. They even compete in souped up chainsaws to cut the block in the fewest seconds. It’s way too loud. They actually hand out ear plugs among the audience.
There are always the old ways and you compete here by chopping this block as you stand upon it. Watch the axe. Don’t cut yourself.
Remember I mentioned Chicks With Axes? They had their own T shirts. Aim and fire away.
At one point they put a Coke can in the bullseye so the reward of a soda spray resulted if you were accurate.
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