Turning back the hands of time

Lumberjacks are a big part of Santa Rosa County history and because of those days from yesteryear, its time of year to start sharpening the knives and axes, and prepare for them to be thrown.

But instead of doing this for a living or to help your boss, it’s all in good fun.

Celebrating it’s 21st year, the annual Pensacola Junior College Forestry Conclave and Lumberjack Festival will be held Saturday, March 6.

The free event features lumberjack competition, educational displays, food, free tree seedlings, music, arts, crafts, and fun.

“Basically it’s a festival to celebrate and recognize our outdoor heritage,” said Steve Brown, the festival’s events and exhibits coordinator. “It’s an excellent opportunity for us to raise the awareness and importance of forestry, natural resource management, outdoor recreation, etc. in our community.”

Individuals and groups are invited to participate with a display or exhibit that are related to the event’s focus of nature heritage. Indoor and outdoor space will be available for any type of display or equipment to be used or displayed. Displays and exhibits need to be related to the focus of the event.

“In addition to the great competition and games, we also strive to make this event informative and educational to the general public,” Brown said.

Sponsors have donated all the prizes and awards that will be given out. Additional sponsors may donate funding or merchandise.

Sponsors are recognized on a poster at the events registration table, in the final event brochure, and on the Web site.

The adult events (16 years old and older) include the following: compass and pacing, knife throw, axe throw, crosscut sawing, and more.

Junior events for ages 13 to 16 include knife throws and crosscut sawing. The children events for 12 and under include softball toss, log rolling, face painting, crafts, and more.

Besides the numerous events there are also displays for nature preservation, bluegrass music, seedling giveaways, and many other items.

The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the PJC Milton campus.

For a list of exhibitors, sponsors and events call 484-4463.

Schedule of events:

8:00   Compass and Pacing

9:00   Log Roll

10:00 Pulpwood Toss

10:30 Junior Knife Throw

11:00 Junior Cross-Cut

11:00 Pole Fell

11:30 Knife Throw

12:30 Axe Throw

1:30  Women’s Cross-Cut

2:00  Men’s Cross-Cut

2:30  Jack & Jill Cross-Cut

3:00  Bow Sawing