Lumberjack World Championships underway in Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. (Northern News Now) – The tradition of competition between lumberjacks started in the 1890s, but the first Lumberjack World Championships wasn’t held until 1960 when Tony Wise founded the event.

Since Hayward was born from the logging industry, he felt there was no better place to celebrate the skills of the American Lumberjack.

The first event was held at Historyland, which was a historical theme park on the shores of Lake Hayward.

While that doesn’t exist anymore, the event eventually moved to the Lumberjack Bowl, which is the venue the compete in today.

There’s a whole lot more fun happening in Hayward on Saturday for the final day of the Lumberjack World Championships.

8 a.m. – Lumberjack Run 5K Run/Walk

11:30 a.m. – Festival Grounds Open

12 p.m. – Professional Log Rolling Competitions and Small Finals Wood Chopping Competitions

1:30 p.m. – Axe Throwing Competition

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Happy hour and live music by Little Way at the Swinging Axe Beer Garden

5:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies and World Championships Finals Competition

For the full finals competition schedule click here.

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