Lumberjack Days competition a success

Mississagi Provincial Park held its 11th annual Lumberjack Days Competition over the long weekend of Aug. t and 2. 

“Although we experienced some unexpected rain, it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of our competitors, volunteers or guests. The weekend was a fantastic success, filled with great competition, entertainment and community spirit,” said Sarah Daigle, operations manager for the park. 

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“There were more than 2,500 visitors throughout the weekend, with 154 children participating in the children’s activities. The park was also bustling with campers, as 110 campsites were fully booked for the long weekend,” shared Daigle. 

“Visitors travelled from across Ontario and as far away as Edmonton, Alberta; and Montreal, Quebec, to take part in this exciting celebration of our region’s rich logging heritage,” continued Daigle. 

Saturday was mostly about the kids, with a few adult competitions in the afternoon. While the children played in the bouncy castles and threw inflatable axes, families enjoyed a barbeque.  

The beach at Semiwite Lake was the place to be on Saturday afternoon, with a powerhouse of competitors all vying for bragging rights. Events included canoe racing, log tossing and log burling. 

Sunday, Aug. 2, was a spectator’s delight, featuring axe throwing, two-person crosscut, chainsaw obstacle course, firewood chop, and chainsaw and modified saw competitions. Teams utilized their strengths by pairing contestants with similar skills throughout the long weekend. 

There were a few spills along the way, as the chainsaw obstacle course proved to be a lesson in balancing. 

By mid-afternoon on Sunday, volunteers were handing out earplugs for the chainsaw portion of the games. Wood chips flew, blocks of chopped wood flipped through the air, and no one was injured. The event drew hundreds of spectators, all vying for a prime spot to watch the festivities.  

This year, there were seven teams and a total of 51 competitors. The event saw the Rippers from Sault Ste. Marie clinch the first-place title, followed by Texx in the Trees from Elliot Lake in second, and the Axe-identals securing third place. Other participating teams included the Wood Peckers from Sudbury, Handyman Property Management, Mississagi Park, and Not Quite the Rippers. 

First place received $1,000 with their name on the Prestige Glass Lumberjack Trophy, along with some plaques to take home. Second place received $500, and third place garnered $300; both teams also received plaques. 

Individual first place winners had the option to select a $50 cash prize or an item from the donation table, along with a plaque. 

Daigle also mentioned that the event had 21 sponsors, including the City of Elliot Lake, Serpent River First Nation and Mississaugi First Nation. 

The park manager thanked the volunteers, “Your dedication and support helped make this event a memorable experience for everyone involved.” 

Individual Competition Results 

50cc and Under Chainsaw 

1st: Joey Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Max Gingra – Sault Ste. Marie 

3rd: Derrick Anthony – Sault Ste. Marie 

Hot Saw 

1st: Joey Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Max Gingra – Sault Ste. Marie 

3rd: Jordan Nodwell – Elliot Lake 

51cc–70cc Chainsaw 

1st: Jazz St. Pierre – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Joey Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

3rd: Ryhan Kelly 

71cc and Up Chainsaw 

1st: Joey Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Derrick Anthony – Sault Ste. Marie 

3rd: Kyle Sauro – Elliot Lake 

Vintage Saw 

1st: Joey Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Derrick Anthony – Sault Ste. Marie 

3rd: Kyle Sauro – Elliot Lake 

Log Burling 

1st: Todd Corboy – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Kyle Sauro – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Leela Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

Crosscut Saw 

Open Division 

1st: Stephane & Robert Legault – Sudbury Area 

2nd: Jordan Nodwell & Dolton Critch – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Shane Poelmans & Dolton Critch – Elliot Lake 

Women’s Division 

1st: Taylor Wierzbicky & Kattie Duenk – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Jasmine Critch and Alicia from Elliot Lake 

3rd: Isabelle Legault & Renee Carriere – Sudbury Area 

Axe Throw 

Open Division 

1st: Rob Legault – Sudbury Area 

2nd: Ashton Kozeyah – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Breadon Antoin – Elliot Lake 

Women’s Division 

1st: Jasmine Critch – Elliot Lake 

2nd: Mya Daigle Stefanich – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Renee Carriere – Hanmer 

Obstacle Course 

1st: Derrick Vidito – Elliot Lake 

2nd: Max Gingra- Sault St Marie 

3rd: Jazz St. Pierre – Sault St Marie 

Men’s Pulp Toss 

1st: Ryhan Kelly – Elliot Lake 

2nd: Max Gingra – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Ryan Bower – Elliot Lake 

Women’s Pulp Toss 

1st: Taylor Wierzbicky – Sault Ste. Marie 

2nd: Jasmine Critch – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Kattie Duenk – Sault Ste. Marie 

Canoe Race 

1st: Miguel & Jacob Legault – Sudbury 

2nd: Derrick Vidito & Serge Labbe – Elliot Lake 

3rd: Jazz St. Pierre & Ryder Wierzbicky Sault Ste Marie.