Loggers do Old Timers' Day proud

Hugh McMillan

Although the wobbling log caused her to lose balance, Mackenzie Gleffe, of Belfair, doesn’t touch the ground and successfully engages the choke during competition at last month’s annual Old Timers’ Day in Longbranch. Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News

The annual Key Peninsula Community Services and Food Bank Old Timers' Day fundraiser packed a crowd at the Longbranch Improvement Club, Aug. 17.

As always, the high point of the festivities was the Old Time Logging Show, with contestants coming from all across Western Washington to compete in logging-type events.

There was choke setting, in which contestants dashed up a swaying log carrying a flexible steel cable for the purpose of swinging it under and around the log.

Kyle (left) and Mark Luketz "up a tree" at Old Timers Day. Photos by Brett Higgins

There was “topping,” a challenge where loggers swiftly climbed some 40 feet and used a chain saw to top off six to 10 feet from trees (poles) in the least amount time.

Among challengers were Mark Luketz, racing against his son Kyle Luketz, both from Lakebay.

Other crowd pleasers included felling a tree (a pole stripped of its branches), and ax throwing from a 20-foot distance at a three-foot diameter target.

Throughout the day's rivalries, competitors jokingly cheered one another along. This was friendly competition of skilled professionals who generously helped anyone who wanted to try.

All proceeds from the show are dedicated to support of the KP Community Services and Food Bank.

For information, call KPCS at 884-4440. Or visit their website at keypeninsulacommunityservices.org.