Suggestion Box: Summer Departs and Logging Fest Arrives

Ok, ok, we know you’re all engaged in a bit of emotional ennui about the impending departure of our most playful seasonal friend Summer.
After all, school is back in session, boats are being lifted from the water, nights are getting cooler….
But hey, this weekend, the weekend that delivers the third of our Big Three summer holidays also means the return of the Logging Fest, that three day fete of forestry, food, frivolity  and family fun that begins on Friday

Arts and crafts will be at Brooks Park in downtown Newaygo all three days along with some fine local eats and chainsaw carving and Friday the Farmer’s Market will be bustling what with the cornucopia of luscious local eats being harvested these days.

It is also the first day to register for the Amateur Lumberjack Contest, in our opinion the centerpiece of this year’s festival since it gives folks that golden opportunity to be a little Bunyanesque. To channel their inner logger and grab a little chainsaw glory. You can register (equipment provided) at the Chamber booth all day Friday and Saturday morning so man up and woman up and put your John or Jane Hancock down and get ready to rumble.

 The event itself is Saturday from 1000-1130am. Don’t miss it.

 And if your skills lean more toward gastronomical type competition this year you have an opportunity to grab some glory at the Hot Dog Eating Contest that will be the culmination of Saturday’s festivities at 4pm. For inspiration try viewing the camp competition scene in the classic Bill Murray movie Meatballs and then register from 10am-3:30pm at the Chamber booth.

From Noon to 6pm the pros take over as the Mid Michigan Professional Lumberjack Competition gets underway. Maybe you’ve watched a tree taken down or some trimming taking place but here’s where you see the true skills these loggers possess in full-fledged action mode. Impressive to say the least.

Log Rolling competition will be drawing a crowd as well when the USLRA Amateur Competition gets….well... rolling... with warm-ups starting at 11am and the contest kicking off at noon. Kids from 5-17 can try their hand (or rather feet) at the sport during the Spectator Log Rolling beginning at 3pm.

Saturday also features the 14th annual Marshall Run a 5K run/walk that benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics and do not forget about the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast from 7-11am at (of all places) the Newaygo  Fire Department. It’s an outstanding way to start the day and benefits the good work done by our Fire Folks.

Sunday brings the parade. I mean who doesn’t dig a parade right? It starts at 1pm and ends at 2pm just in time for the finals of the Lumberjack competition beginning at 2pm and then at 4pm the firemen, fresh off the previous  day of serving up vittles show off their skills with a  Waterball Tournament.

Come on, even though summer is fading as fast as a politician sidestepping an honest question there’s still time to make a lot of merry in downtown Newaygo.

It’s the Logging Festival a three day party with events primed to pique the interest of all who attend.

See you there.

Suggestion Box is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. a place where you can enjoy great beer, great food and great fun.