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Looking back: Powell River Logger Sports

Former MLA takes part in ladies hand bucking contest
Logger sports in Powell River in 1975
Obstacle pole bucking competition a Logger Sports at Palm Beach in 1975. Photo courtesy Powell River Historical Museum and Archives

Powell River News archives
Thursday, July 15, 1971
Page C-4

Logging sports

In the afternoon the crowd moved down the beach to the locale of the logging sports, which got underway with the ladies hand bucking contest, started off by MLA Isabelle Dawson and Mrs. Charlie Parsons of Cranberry.

The winners were the mother and daughter team of Osa Jones and Rosanne Lawrence, who sawed off in 32 seconds. Peggy Atkinson and Ora Bowles took second in 35.3 seconds. Nine teams entered. Prizes were $20 and $15.

The top choker setting team was Allan Duker and Bill Cummings, who accomplished the task in 28.3 seconds, followed by Charlie Parsons and Gordie Lewis with 32.4 seconds. Each team won $20 and $15.

The art of tree climbing was demonstrated by Colin Soles, Ernie Jago, Bill Cummings and Bob Jones. Ernie’s trip up and down in 60.5 seconds was easily the highlight of the afternoon and won him top prize of $30. Colin Soles was second, making the climb in one minute 42.2 seconds, winning $20. Although there was no official third place, Bob Jones followed close behind in one minutes 50 seconds and with the approval of the crowd.

Coordinator Cec Woodhead demonstrated mastery of the saw in the men’s hand bucking, making his cut in one minute 20.2 seconds and walking off with top prize of $20. Harry Wikman’s cut in one minute 34.5 seconds won him $15. The power saw obstacle contest went at a fast pace, with contestants racing up a log carrying the saw, butting the end and racing back down. In a “saw-off” Bill Nyvall claimed top money of $20 in 22.2 seconds followed by Bill Cummings taking second prize of $15 in 24.9 seconds.

It was a very entertaining event which received favourable comment from all. Cec Woodhead says it could be enlarged another time to include many other events.