The competition of the ages has arrived in Pigeon Forge! The 2012 United States Championship STIHL Timbersports Series begin today, June 1st, and are being held at the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud Arena. Continuing through Sunday, June 3rd. If you’re in town, this is an exciting event that you shouldn’t pass up!
The top 26 lumberjacks from across the country are gathering in Pigeon Forge for their shot at winning the championship in what is known as “the original extreme sport.” The STIHL company started the Timbersports series back in 1985 as a way to preserve the lumberjack was. Embarking on the search for the best lumberjack in the country, the series now includes 23 countries and 63 colleges!
The competition includes three sawing and three shopping events. These competitions require incredible strength, accuracy and agility to compete in successfully. Some of the events the men participate in are hot saw, single buck, springboard chop and standing block shop. The lumberjacks exercise extreme safety precautions when both competing and practicing to reduce the risk of injury. Besides facial and ear protection, the athletes also wear aluminum over boots and leg protection to halt a wayward chainsaw!
The STIHL company harvests their own white pines for the perfect competition cut. Boasting a sustainable program that selects the finest pines from Ohio, the tree selection process is actually more difficult than you may think! Each event requires each lumberjack to have a 26 inch piece of knot-free pine for competition standards.
Tickets for this weekend’s competition are only $10 and can be purchased by calling 855-244-3383. Half of all ticket proceeds will go to the United Way. You can find the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud Arena at 2713 Parkway Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
