The Last Great Logging Show in the U.S. Returns to Missoula

There was a time when communities all across the Northwest would host logging shows and competitions to celebrate the forest product industries. Local loggers would pit their skills against some of the best in the world in events like pole climbing, axe throwing, and the crowd-favorite "hot saw" competitions.

And the best of those shows, and smaller competitions, featured the pros and the amateurs, giving "loggers" of various skill levels from British Columbia to Forks to Flagstaff a chance to compete.

Today, there's only one Pro/Am event, and it's coming this weekend in Missoula.

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Western Montana's timber heritage

"Forestry Day" at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula was a relatively recent addition to the timber competition circuit, starting a little less than 30 years ago. Originally conceived as a way to both celebrate and preserve the legacy and importance of the timber products industry, it's ended up doing just that.

Organized by the School of Forestry at the University of Montana, the event lasts two days, starting with the "amateur" or student competition on Friday. The UM students take on their counterparts from colleges across the Northern Rockies, and it's fun to watch these strong young adults scramble up logs and even climb the tall poles in timed events.

READ MORE: HMFM Working on Immersive WW2 Exhibit

Excitement ramps up on Saturday

Saturday the pros step up and provide an amazing display of skills related to, if not used, working in the woods any longer (we're looking at you cross-cut saw). But watching gives you a unique appreciation of how hard old timers worked to make a living.

It also showcases the vitality and continued importance of timber to our region.

More than competition

UM Forestry Day gets underway at 9:30 Saturday morning with the west side of the museum campus buzzing with activity. You can learn about the latest efforts to restore the historic Willamette locomotive, see displays of the historic equipment used in the woods over the decades, and savor great meals from the food trucks.

Entry is by donation, with a suggestion of $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students and $10 for entire families.