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Carving competition attracts thousands

More than 4,500 people poured into downtown Hope Aug. 16-19 to watch the carvers


More than 4,500 people poured into downtown Hope to watch the Chainsaw Carving Competition Aug. 16-19.

The event featured eight world-renown carvers, including local favourite Pete Ryan, sculpting cedar logs into intricate pieces of art in Memorial Park.

“It went very well,” said organizer Victor Smith, adding that the souvenir T-shirts designed by Sasquatch Sign Company sold out. “The carvers and everybody enjoyed it.”

Each carver received $1,000 for participating in the competition this year. An additional $3,000 was awarded to first place, $2,000 to second, and $1,000 to third. A $1,000 people’s choice award was also handed out at the end of the competition.

“Everyone did a fabulous job and we’re just grateful to have these people come and participate in the competition,” said Mayor Susan Johnston “To be able to auction the speed carvings off twice during the event made people feel so good about getting a piece of the action.”

A total of $5,320 was raised from the speed carving competitions on Saturday and Sunday.

Winners

1st place: Kingfishers in Flight - Chris Foltz

2nd place: Phoenix -Tomas Vrba

3rd place: Spider and Wasp on a Log - Woojay Poynter

People’s choice: Old Man in the Park - Pete Ryan