Bunyan entertains

by Erin Senff and Erin Roh
THE POST

Chilly air whipping through the Hocking College campus did not stop thousands of people from attending this year's annual Paul Bunyan Show in Nelsonville.

The three-day event featured activities centered on forestry and natural resources, including demonstrations and clinics of different wood-related aspects.

Visitors also got more than a back seat view- several events were held to let people show their skills.

Competitions for women, men and students included chainsaw carving, lumberjack, horse log skidding and pole climbing. Ohio lumberjack championships and international lumberjack competition also were part of the extravaganza.

When not watching the competitions, spectators could check out the many businesses displaying their goods and services. Brightly colored tents showcasing many types of natural goods lined "Paul's Pathway." Others sold boots, saws, crafts, food and woodcarvings.

Some artists created different types of wood decorations, ranging from the seven dwarfs to pumpkins to animals.

But the Paul Bunyan Show was not just for buying, selling and competing. One purpose of the show was educational.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources offered information about the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and the Division of Forestry.

The Division of Forestry distributed free white pine seedlings to promote the forestry industry.

Mark Rickey, a land management forester for the Department of Natural Resources, said this department covers all aspects of the forestry industry.

"We handle everything from seed to saw," he said.

The show also featured contests besides the lumberjack kind. Royalty pageants also were a part of the show.

This year's Miss Paul Bunyan, HC freshman Kelby Lauderback, said she was surprised she won. She was awarded a double-bladed ax surrounded by flowers that represents Paul Bunyan.

Lauderback said she entered because she wanted to be a part of the event.

HC freshman Jillian Wilt took home the first-runner-up prize as well as the title "Miss Congeniality."

"I think I'm in a dream," she said.

The second runner up title went to HC freshman Jennifer Salyer.

One activity for all students involved buns and burgers instead of flowers and tiaras.

The Department of Hospitality and HC students cooked thousands of "Bunyan Burgers," large hamburger sandwiches named after the show for which they are made.

Chris Anderson, who graduated from HC more than 15 years ago, said he drove an hour and a half from Alexandria, Ohio, to eat the famous burgers.

"You got to have a Bunyan Burger if you can come to the Bunyan Show," he said.

Anderson said he has returned to the event every year since 1983.

"You gotta come back," he said.