Encampment abuzz for 54th Woodchoppers Jamboree

As Father’s Day weekend approaches, so does the 54th annual Woodchoppers Jamboree, a long-running Encampment event providing fun for the whole family.

“We’re hoping to have a larger crowd and more competitive event,” said Doreen Harvey, who has been chairing the event with her husband, Ron, for the past 10 years. “The event is one of the oldest and longest-running summer events in Encampment, and one of the largest because of its sheer size.”

The Woodchoppers Jamboree begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday, and both days of the event happen at the Lions Club Arena in Encampment. Those who attend can expect to see lumberjacks competing for cash prizes in the power saw log, pole throw, power saw log bucking, tree felling, two-man handsaw tree felling, two-man handsaw, two-woman handsaw, one-man handsaw, man and woman handsaw team, choker setting, modified chainsaw event, axe chopping, axe throw, mad loggers chainsaw throw and small-class modified chainsaw event.

An added purse of more than $2,000 is also included this year.

Harvey said the event always draws a large crowd, and is fun for the whole family. She said the events would not be successful without the myriad of local volunteers who help out each year to make it a success.

“The event is all put on by a lot of volunteers, many of whom have been very long-term,” Harvey said. “All the funds and proceeds are returned to the community. Nothing about it is for profit.”

Harvey said the Woodchoppers Jamboree in Encampment is comprised of several different components and events occurring at the same time. She said the event has become well-known outside of Wyoming and even the nation.

“It has been in place for 54 years and we get contestants and attendees from all over, even from outside of the country,” Harvey said. “It brings in a lot of tourism and exposure for the Valley, and it’s good for our businesses, the Grand Encampment Museum and other local organizations. It’s quite the event for our community, and it provides great economic development.”

One of the many volunteers helping again is longtime Encampment resident Bill Saulcy, who will also serve the event’s 2014 Grand Marshal. He said he has volunteered at the Woodchoppers Jamboree for nearly 45 years.

“I’ve been volunteering since 1970, I think,” he said. “I just like being around all the people, and seeing so many from even different countries. I like seeing all the people having a good time, so it’s really a reward and worth it to volunteer.”

The Woodchoppers Jamboree is sponsored by the Encampment-Riverside Lions Club, and all proceeds will be used for civic projects. All events admission is $7 per day, and children under 12 are free.

For more information on Woodchoppers events, call Ron Harvey at 970-210-2955 or 307-327-5429.