OXFORD – Friday was the big day for local woodsmen to show their skills at the Oxford County Fair. Along with an opportunity to inspect the display of the latest logging and forestry equipment, they had the chance to show their proficiency in using traditional and modern tools. Numerous contests and demonstrations were held throughout the day.
This was the 30th year of Woodsman Day at the fair. A large crowd cheered on the contestants as several events went on simultaneously. Women competed head-to-head with the men in most events, although only women participated in the skillet throw. That event was won by Darilyn Goldie. Contestants from many nearby states participated in most of the events.
The team of Herb Gingras and Chris Faustino won first place in the log-rolling contest. They took only 17.19 seconds to roll a log about 40 feet down the course, then back again. They used peaveys to guide and propel the log, which rolled on wooden runners. This year’s log roll was much more difficult than last year’s – the log was heavier and slightly crooked, causing it to roll at an angle. It took teamwork to keep the log on the runners; several teams were disqualified when the log slipped off.
The only event restricted to Maine residents was the stock chain saw event, which was won by Robert Doyle of Winthrop with a time of 9.44 seconds. In this event, identical chain saws, supplied by Reed Service Center, were used to make three cuts through an eight-inch-square timber.
The crowd was amazed at the skill shown by ax throwers. Not only were the contestants able to consistently hit the three-foot-diameter target with a double-bladed ax, but some got multiple bull’s-eyes.
Other events included the pulp wood throw, in which contestants vied to throw a 4-foot length of pulp wood the farthest. Contestants also competed by cutting through timber with one-person bucksaws and two-person crosscut saws.
The finale was the race to see who could fell a tree the fastest with an ax. In this case, the “tree” was actually a log standing in a post hole. Each log was carefully trimmed so each contestant would have the same diameter to chop through.
The live bull-riding performance was also a favorite of fair-goers. Allen Kathevold and Scot Berenes are the owners of Great Frontier Bull Riding, the premier attraction at this years Oxford County Fair. The two grew up together on adjoining farms in Minnesota. Both have been riding since they were “big enough to climb up on something with four legs.” Kathevold said he got some of his best, though brief, early rides by climbing up on a low tree limb, then enticing one of his father’s hogs to walk under so he could jump aboard.
Both Kathevold and Berenes got their first chance to ride a “real” bull when they were 8 years old and could ride with the Little Britches Rodeo Association, a national association dedicated to providing youngsters a chance to learn rodeo skills.
During the performances, the skill of the riders, the power of the bulls, and the excitement of the ride kept audiences spellbound.
The bulls seemed to win most rounds.
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