How much wood would a wood-cutter cut if a wood-cutter could cut wood?
This Labor Day weekend, thousands will gather to watch lumberjacks in action in events such as log sawing and axe throwing at the Lions Club of Washington and Oregon 25th World Deaf Timberfest at Camp Taloali in Stayton, Ore.
“Come out west and see what we do for fun and support a good program for Deaf and hard of hearing youth who will be our future leaders,” bids George Scheler, chairman of the Board for Camp Taloali and business manager for the event. “Lots of new friends can be made at the World Deaf Timberfest and you might be surprised to run into a long lost friend that you have not seen for years.”
The original idea for the Timberfest, the brainchild of the late Mike Dinkins, started as a fundraiser for the Portland Bowling Association. The first two years, the funds went to the bowlers until the group decided to give the profits to a project of the Lions Club of Washington and Oregon, Camp Taloali for Deaf and hard of hearing children and Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA).
Though it started out as a regional event, people from around the world now travel to the unique gathering. Deaf Timberfest is an international event that has lured Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing participants from Mexico, Canada, Italy, Japan and Europe. Scheler says communication with the foreign attendees isn’t a problem. “We somehow manage to communicate no matter what sign language is used,” says Scheler.
The largest attendance was recorded at the 10th event with 2,600 people. At the 20th event, attendance was still strong with 1,500 participants; however, the core volunteers decided to plan the event for every five years with less complicated family campouts in the interim years between the Timberfests. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Deaf Timberfest, the first full-blown event since 2002, and expectations are high for a large crowd and a great time.
Scheler’s theory about the popularity of the Timberfest is simple: “I think the reason it grew is because it is something unique. The activities, friendships and seeing the Northwest draw people to our Timberfest.”
The weekend’s offerings include the ever-popular beer garden and drinking contest, logging events and, back by popular demand, mud wrestling. Food, commercial and personal booths are always a hit and Scheler says there are plenty of spaces still available. “The more food, the merrier we’ll be!” says Scheler, who hopes to find vendors for delicacies such as elephant ears, kabobs, tacos, muffins and desserts. And finally, an awards ceremony will honor the hardest-working attendees.
If you are looking for a zany way to cap off your summer, World Deaf Timberfest XXV is it. And if you find out how much wood a wood-cutter cuts, “wood” you let us know? n
