Manitou Beach Chainsaw Carving Festival
By April Meersman
Manitou Beach will be all a buzz with the sound of chainsaws during their bi-annual Chainsaw Carving Festival running from August 12th to the 15th.
Ten professional carvers from all over Canada will come together starting their large sculptures on Thursday and finishing on Sunday. They all have an amazing talent for taking a simple wood log and turning it into a stunning work of art.
This year’s professional chainsaw competitors are:
● Doug Lingelbach - in the top 10 wood carvers in Canada and top 50 in the world
● Gary Dennis Natomagan - self taught artist
● Jim Niedermayer - returning carver - self taught wood carver who loves making art from stumps and logs
● Kamron Garbe - award winner in 2018 Prairie Canada Carving Championship
● Kevin Bendig - returning carver - has a vision of bringing new life to fallen trees
● Marina Cole - returning carver - first competition in June 2016 as a novice - received the judge’s choice award
● Marty Duerinchx - 25 plus years experience in wood carving
● Mike Winia - returning carver - creates carvings for private and commercial clients
● Randy Gauthier - competing since 2014 then hosted for two years the Canadian Chainsaw Championship in
Prince George, BC
● Russell Manchur - have been carving for three years Watrous Manitou Marketing Group Community Development Officer Vickie Clarke said, “This year’s talent will be off the charts.”
Along with the professional chainsaw full sculpture carving, these artists will be showing off their skills by having carving demonstrations. These quick cuts are fun mini sculptures which will be auctioned off each day from Thursday through Saturday. Their creativity will not disappoint their fans.
After the final bell, judging and prizes will be awarded on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm. The first place sculpture will then be raffled off to the public. The rest of the sculptures will be up for auction giving you the opportunity to take home one of these amazing works of art from your favourite carver.
The weekend will also include a boil water competition. Sign up for axe throwing and open mic night. Live music, art and food vendors will be on site. There will be plenty of entertainment for adults and children alike. This weekend event is truly for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $10.00 daily or $30.00 for a weekend pass. For more information check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/manitoubeachchainsaw