A beloved Pete Ryan carving has finally received a name, just in time for Hope’s 2023 World Class Chainsaw Woodcarving competition.
The votes are in and a name has been chosen. Hope’s beloved wooden bear, which proudly sits on Wallace Street, has been named Bart. Sponsored by the District of Hope, the Hope Chamber of Commerce, the Hope Business Development Society, and the Hope Cascades & Canyons, the name was chosen out of 20 available options — which were taken out of 200 submissions provided by Hope locals and visitors.
“Selecting the moniker for our iconic bear proved to be an enjoyable journey! Although we harboured a hunch that a name associated with the revered carver Pete Ryan would be the ultimate choice, we were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of inventive suggestions that flooded in,” said Hope, Cascades & Canyons (HCC) via Facebook.
“The result was a source of genuine delight for all involved. It was an added delight to uncover that during the meticulous carving process, Pete Ryan playfully bestowed upon the bear the nickname “Bart.”
Starting at 6:10 p.m. on Aug. 17, voters had until Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. to cast their vote for their favourite name. At first place, with 182 votes, was the name “Bart.” Second place, with 168 votes, was “Pete.” Third place, with 142 votes, was “Peter the Greeter.” And an honorable mention, coming in with 130 votes, was “Grizzly Pete.”
Name submissions took place from Aug. 15 until Aug. 17 at 6 p.m.
According to HCC, the carving has been a staple of Hope for many years and an “anchor” among the 100 plus chainsaw woodcarvings that the town is known for.
“We’d like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and cast their votes,” HCC said. “The outcome has left us overjoyed, and we’re excited to officially give our bear the name ‘Bart’!”
Born in 1950, Ryan was a world-famous chainsaw carver whose legacy still lives on in the carving community. His contributions in the carving world helped to cement Hope’s reputation as the “Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada.”
This included several carvings with the CiB initiative. He was quite skilled at carving animals, especially eagles, and his works can be seen throughout Hope. He passed away at the age of 70 and his loss is still felt by Hope two years later.
Bart is not the only carving of Ryan’s that’s recently been in the spotlight. In July, one of Ryan’s carvings — of an elderly gentleman feeding his squirrel friend — found a new home at Park Street Manor. Donated by Communities in Bloom, the carving now greets visitors and residents from the manor’s front lawn.
In addition to Bart and the carving at Park Street Manor, Ryan’s red cedar memorial bench also sits outside of District Hall.
READ MORE: Coast Salish carver George Price wants to open a school to pass on his woodcarving teachings
@KemoneMoodley
kemone.moodley@hopestandard.com
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