Owensboro is host the inaugural Bluegrass Chainsaw Showdown this weekend. The wood carving event features 10 artists from across the country and includes a sculpting contest and two quick-carve competitions.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. It will held at the Holiday Inn Riverfront (701 West 1st Street).
The carvers will have 20 hours to convert a 7-foot log into a masterpiece. The two quick-carve competitions are limited to 1 hour each.
Attendees will get to watch the artists at work and will have the opportunity to purchase the creations made that day in a public auction.
Philpot’s Barry Raymer is a local firefighter and avid chainsaw artist and competitor. After traveling for various competitions, he decided to bring the competition to the tristate. The hometown boy will compete against Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana, and Texas carvers.
“We had been to several shows, but we had to travel so far because there isn’t anything like this in the area,” Raymer said. “I contacted a few people, and it grew from there. I contacted the Holiday Inn, and after they said they were all in, we got the ball rolling. We’re only having 10 contestants this year, keeping it small to see how things go.”
Glowing Jacks Carvings and LinGate Hospitality are partnering to host the event with the help of Maxwell Lumber, Hagan’s Outdoor Equipment, and more. Funds raised from the auction will benefit the local Christmas Wish Foundation.
