Let the Games Begin

Finally after all the politicians had given a speech the crowd could enjoy the loggers competition.

The first event was the tree cutting for accuracy. Each logger had to cut a pole so it fell closest to a peg he placed in the ground. After that was measured by the judges and the stump was checked for a level cut then the logger had to estimate a 10 foot section of trunk and cut it without measuring. If you were off by 6 inches or more you were out of the competition.

They even had a girl logger competing. First she notched the side towards the peg.

Next she cut the back side and let the tree fall towards the peg.

The crowd enjoyed the competition ..........................

especially watching the trees fall for accuracy .....................

another favourite was building a pyramid with logs using a loader, this was not as easy as it looks.

Loggers Games

After the parade the crowd went up to watch the loggers compete.

First was the free entertainment, local talent, very good ....................

then a chance for Mary to wander the grounds and check out the booths .......... (can you see Mary in the jacket?) ..............................

this old-timer was selling axe handles he made himself ....................

of course the local MPPS (politicians) had to get up and use the microphone ......................................

then the loggers gathered on the infield for the games .............

Tomorrow I'll post more pictures.

Hastings Highland Loggers Games

We are enjoying the flavour of the "north" country especially the logging trucks and mills so evident in this area. Yesterday's highlights were the loggers games held in Maynooth.

Every gathering needs a parade so at 10 am the highway was shut down and the parade began................

complete with a marching band (I love the bag-pipes) ...............

logging trucks ................................................

floats ............................................

more floats (all related to logging) ........................

babies in big trucks ..........................

then it was up to the fields to enjoy the events. Don't forget, Maynooth is so small the don't have a grocery store, they don't even post the population sign; so this was a big crowd in town last Saturday.

More tomorrow.

Maynooth Again

Took Bonnie & Winston to the farmers' market in Maynooth yesterday. We had a great time, enjoying the drive, food and fellowship. After having breakfast at the Honey Doo's restaurant we headed north to Combermere to do it all over again but the market was closing down by the time we arrived.

Mary gets the shopping bags, while Winston looks on.

We've been here so often this summer the vendors know us.

Mother and daughter check out the vendors looking for organic honey.

On October 1st Maynooth celebrates 150 years and on the same weekend is the annual fall studio tours in the area. Still lots to come and see before the leaves begin to fall.

Maynooth

Maynooth is a 20 minute drive north of Bancroft. They have the best farmers market every Saturday and if we are home usually take it in.

Lots of local artisans and farmers have booths here.

Some sell from the back of their truck or car, others have small portable canopies as shelter from the sun or rain.

Looking for locally produced jewellery, home baking, organic gardening, quilts, socks, tarts, candy, cards, photography? It's all here and available every Saturday until October.

Mary and Carol load up on organic vegetables.

Time to check out downtown Maynooth ..................................

and the Potter's Studio.