Art

Cherry Springs State Park was filled with a swirl of sound that could only be compared to a swarm of giant, crazed bumble bees. Chips were flying as chainsaws of various sizes were coaxing fantastic shapes out of solid logs. We arrived just in time to watch the first Quick Carve competition. Given just one hour, ten carvers wielded chainsaws like fine paint brushes creating amazingly intricate sculptures. Lots of bears emerged in the works. Some were whimsical and others majestic. I’d love any of them on my front porch some day.

In another area, larger Master Carvings came to life as chainsaws rang out for a total of 10 hours over the course of the three day event. At eight hours in they were all pretty amazing. I think that the eagles were my favorites, they are a great carving subject.

Brute Strength…well, and a bit of skill!

One man wrangles a 6 foot long, toothed steel blade through 14” of white pine..8 seconds or so. The single bucksaw.

A team of two in a smooth coordinated motion slices through wood like butter. 14” diameter in 3.8 seconds.

Wielding 50 pounds of roaring metal delivering 50+Hp the open chainsaw class sends chips flying making three cuts in 4 seconds including getting the thing started.

A guy with an axe, still provides for the most fantastic show.

Horizontal log chop..they stand on a log and swing a scary big axe to hack out huge chips from the log between their feet. Powerful. Best time through the 13 inch log was just over 17 seconds.

Springboard..carve a notch in a tree to hold a board for a step. Carve another notch for another board. Climb on up to stand some 8 feet above the ground to chop down the tree. Acrobatic.

They threw axes, rolled logs and chopped down more trees but we moved on to check out creamy smooth home made ice cream, delicious pirogues (don’t ask me why pirogues at a woodman show in PA), and grab a bit of locally made maple syrup.

If you come upon a Woodsman Show check it out. It was a fun way to spend a beautiful day.