The First National Bank of Eagle River Chain Saw Carving Competition will bring together gifted wood carvers from Wisconsin and neighboring states.  They will compete to create masterpieces reflecting the spirit of Klondike Days.  Past Klondike Days Chain Saw Carving competitors have produced carvings of eagles, bears, fur traders, dog sled teams, and other Klondike Days symbols.

The entry fee for this year's competition will be $50.00.  "With the lowered entry fee maybe we can encourage closet carvers to come out and join the competition,"  says Schilling, Executive Director of Klondike Days.  Each year between five and ten competitors turn out for the competition, which is sponsored by First National Bank.  Artists who have competed at the Chain Saw Carving Competition in past years include:  Justin Howland and Dave Bartels of Wisconsin, and James Denkins of Michigan.

Competitors do most of their carving with chain saws.  They use other wood carving tools for the finishing work. Carvers are allowed to burn the wood to create shading and contrasting colors.  However, they cannot use paint to create these effects.

A panel of at least three independent judges will choose the winning carvings.  Judges are volunteers from the local artistic community who generally have some experience with chain saw carving.  Judges will base their decisions on creative expression, artistic quality, balance and proprtion, and faithfulness to the Klondike Theme.  Judging focuses on the carving completed during the competition-not on the artists' other works.

Carvings will remain the property of the competitors.

Competitors will be eligible to win one of five cash prizes. The first place prize is $1,000.00, second place is $500.00, third place is $300.00, fourth place is $200.00, and fifth place is $100.00.

Competitors will be carving on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. They will take breaks in between carving to rest and to visit with spectators.

Competitors must supply their own logs for carving. In addition, they are required to set up on the Friday before the event.

Spectators may also be treated with an event that was introduced at 2004’s chain saw carving competition.

The event's aptly named "Quick Carve Competition." Participants are given a 15" x 48" piece of white pine and they have one hour to carve anything they want. The event takes place on Sunday and begins at 12:30 p.m.

Judging will be at 1:30 p.m.and winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Carvings will be raffled off the following year, with proceeds to benefit our college scholarships.

If you are interested in competing in the Chain Saw Carving Competition, or if you have any questions regarding the event contact Mike Jenkins at 715-479-7683.