2009 Logging Jamboree

The 2009 Jamboree was a huge success with more money being taken in at the one day event than in the past Jamborees that were 2 day affairs. There are so many people to thank for this success that if I began to name them, I’d surely leave many out, so following what seems to be my editorial style, I’m just going to give a huge thank you to all who worked to make this a great event. THANK YOU, ALL.  Editor

Clicking on any of these photos will give you an enlargement, sometimes showing a certain lack of critical focus, or too slow a shutter speed, but suit yourself.

All photos on this page were taken by Darren Hofstetter, Mike Figone, Sharon Ash,  or Ginny Kafka. If Darren’s Grandfather had only turned up the ISO on the camera, Darren would have had even more photos in good focus.

The National Anthem with Russ Thomas and the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum’s color guard.

Russ Thomas listening to see if the rest of us can carry a tune.

The man most responsible for organizing and running the logging competition was Steve Kafka, employee of SPI. This photo is of his wife, Michelle, and his Grandfather competing in the non-professional competition. Great Grandfather Kafka is an amazing 92 years old, and he and our logging truck donor Sophia who is 92 1/2 years old finally settled the debate about who was the oldest attendee.

Great Grandpa checking alignment

“Hey, Grand-daughter in-law, you and I are a heck of a team!”

The Ebbett’s Pass Moose served our hot food and this Moose’s good nature reflected the great attitude of these folks who help us every year.

Overview of the Moose Operation

Supervisor Calloway wishing she had voted no

Some of the dignitaries. They told us that they wouldn’t come if we didn’t give them lots of coverage. Not Russ and Merita, just Ginny.

How come Merita didn’t look as if she was working this hard?

Another lady dignitary at work

Ringmaster Steve testing the log, or is it the saw?

Hey, Steve, this is the way to make sawdust.

George Harrison Senior from Grass Valley who won the overall professional competition. George’s poorest event is walking out on an 8 inch log suspended in the air and sawing off the end. See next picture.

We think this particular competition is geared to the younger loggers.

Like this fellow, or

or this woman.

Professional one man saw bucking competition

Lubing the saw. Using WD 40 to lubricate the saw blade first started when Swedish loggers came west to work in the woods. They had discovered the product by reproducing the same odors given off by pickled herring served at smorgasbords.  Just kidding!

Choker setting was the most dangerous job in the woods, believe it or not. Here one of the pros is competing for best time setting a choker.

Logger using his hot saw to cut a round.

One of the highly modified hot saws.

A hot saw can be hard to start!

Hot saw at work with lens flare included.

Lady bug, lady bug, fly away home, Ginny sold a lot of her bugs.

Part of the great crowd for the logging competition

Our wonderful sponsors.

The fishing hole where we made a lot of profit by giving a dollar prize for each half dollar entry. At least no kid could say they didn’t get their money’s worth.

A couple of really cute Casey Jones.

“Our” young mentee looking absolutely gorgeous in her new makeup.

The axe throw

Do you suppose her man makes any trouble for her?

See the axe on the way!

Sophia Copeland and her Grandson, Russell with the 1945 Logging truck they donated to the museum. We were all greatly touched when we showed her pictures of her husband actually using the equipment back in the 1950’s and she said, “That’s my Al, and I wish he could wave at me.”

Sophia, Russell, President Ginny, and the webmaster. Don’t ask what he is doing there ’cause there’s no answer for that.

The Black Irish Band finishing the day with a concert

One of your webmaster’s favorite performers, Dave Rainwater, along with banjoist, Jim Nelson giving the Black Irish Band time to set up.

Dave and Jim moving faster than the camera shutter

Much better. Did I mention how much the editor likes Dave’s music.

Gifted artist, musician, and originator of the idea for a logging museum, Patrick Karnahan, along with banjoist, Jim Nelson

Patrick Karnahan

One more word about thank yous

No pictures here of the chicken ladies, the face painters, the raffle people, all the competition helpers, the cookie caboose workers (Donna had her mouth full, so couldn’t use that photo) the major planners, Ginny and Bob, and SO many more. Thank you!