Another milestone has come for the Buckley Log Show. We are now in our 37th year of competition. We are going strong and plan to continue to support our area communities for many years to come.

 

     The Buckley Log Show has seen a lot of changes through the years. We started as the "Buckley Loggers Rodeo" in 1973 with a group of loggers and a few businessmen who were involved with the Buckley Chamber of Commerce and "Old Timers Week". This group was interested in putting together a "rodeo" for our loggers to compete in. The first meeting of the committee was held at the Sweet Shop located in Buckley. Two donated spar poles were raised behind the, then Viz's Drive Inn, and a pond was dug and filled with water for log rolling. A few other events were a tug-o-war over the pond and a carpenter's nail drive. There was also an event for truck driving skills.

 

     Our show now has 19 events, which include a Crew Relay and the ever-entertaining Obstacle Choker Setting. Some of the founders of the Log Show were Ron Brannon, John Blanusa, Ron Bowen, Ron Kunz, and Gordon Juhl. After a lot of growth of our Committee membership and support from local businesses, we changed our name to the "Buckley Log Show". And with much due respect, our two longest members, as of our 35^th year anniversary, are Elmer Timmons and Gene Rawson. Also, we have the woman behind the scenes.Karen Rawson. She has many duties that keep our show running smoothly.

 

     The Junior Log Show was started in 1977 at the Finn Hall by Del and Betty Farr, who ran the Logger's Inn, as a way of entertaining the area kids with fun and games. Most of the contestants the first year were committee members' children. The next year, it was moved to the grounds behind Viz's with contestants starting at age 3. Viz's handed out ice cram cones and Betty gave out gifts to each child. For many years now, Each Contestant receives a medallion (cut by Doug Britschgi and hand-made by Nancy Resignalo, both long-time committee members), an ice cream bar and the top three placers receive trophies. The number of our Junior Log show contestants has grown to more than 150!

 

     There was also a Queen's contest that was held for a few years. This honored many young ladies and their sponsors. Bonnie "Tycz" Martin at D'Jons started this tradition and she made it an elegant evening for all who attended. Some of the judges for this event were very well-known and there was even a celebrity or two among them.

 

     The show was held at the grounds behind Viz's until 1990. Our audience continued to grow each year, so we moved to our present location. We have made a lot of improvements and continue to do so each year. In the beginning, beer was sold our of a horse trailer that was donated by Leon Wickizer. We have, since then, built and expanded the beer garden several times, which always seems to draw a big crowd, rain or shine. Another addition, that we are very proud of, is the archway to welcome everyone to the grounds. We have a Shirt Shack to sell all of our merchandise and a Cook shack that sells a variety of great food. A very big (and needed) addition to the grounds was the restroom facility. No more Portable Potties - we have had some "issues" in past years and ask that everyone please respect the show and our committee members by taking care of the restrooms. We are very busy during the Log Show weekend!

 

     Another very proud, respected and long standing tradition that the Buckley Log show has is honoring retired loggers with our "Bull of the Woods" Award. We hold a dinner in his honor and present him with gifts of our thanks for him being our Bull. We also introduce him and read the story of his life and his time spent in the timber industry at the Log show. Our present and all of our past Bulls have a reserved spot in front of the announcer's booth, so please stop by, shake a few hands, pull up a stump and share a memory or two.

 

     We want to thank all who support the Log show with your donations and help, the Buckley Chamber of Commerce for putting together the great parade to kick off our celebration - which, by the way, has grown immensely over the years - and all of the spectators who come to watch. The Buckley Log Show Committee and contestants appreciate your support.

 

     Here's to the future of what, we think, is one of the best Log Shows around and with your support, we hope to see many more years to come!