Aug 26, 2003 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Champion lumberjacks representing several countries from around the world will converge on the banks of the Youghiogheny River this weekend for the 6th annual Timber Days, a tribute to the region’s lumber industry. The two-day event, which will feature a parade, musical entertainment, amateur lumberjack competitions, car cruise and fireworks, will be televised nationally by the Outdoor Life Network.

“This is an opportunity to see some of the finest national and international lumberjacks and have a lot of fun,” said Bill Middleton, president of the Greater Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The Yough River Park is a perfect setting for this event.”

Approximately 25 professional lumberjacks representing New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. will vie for top ranking in a variety of competitions on Saturday and Sunday.

Harry Burnsworth, 1994 Stihl Timbersports champion, will represent the local area in the lumberjack contest.

The Mill Run resident has been competing in logging competitions for 24 years and timber sports for 12 years.

Preliminary competition will take place Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. in eight categories, including hot saw, two-man, Jack and Jill, underhand, standing spring board, single buck and hard hit.

A parade will kickoff the celebration at noon on Saturday and feature the Kennywood Trolley, various veterans’ organizations, county and local officials, along with the Connellsville Area High School marching band, Victorian Ladies of Scottdale, Three Rivers Hillbilly Clan, New Stanton Sparklers and the Laurel Highlands YMCA Baton Unit.

Groups will line up on West Green Street and West Washington Avenue beginning at 11:15 a.m.

The route will travel along Pittsburgh Street onto Crawford Avenue, across the bridge to First Street and then to the Yough Park.

At the park, several vendors and organizations will offer a variety of sandwiches, wings, chicken, ribs, pizza, fries, fresh kettle corn and pork rinds, snow cones and drinks.

Local clubs, businesses and crafters will set up booths at the park to display wood products, flowers and provide information.

“We have an abundance of vendors planning to take part this year,” said Middleton.

At 5 p.m. and again at 9 p.m., the Poverty Neck Hillbillies, a local country band, will perform on stage.

On Sunday, an amateur lumberjack competition will get under way at 1 p.m., followed by the final professional competition at 2 p.m.

The overall point champion will receive the Ed Nicholson Award, named in memory of the local lumber mill owner who is considered the founder of the Timber Days celebration.

At 2 p.m., the Coke Center Region, AACA car club will host a car cruise.

A no cost bus shuttle service will be provided from the Route 201 Yough Bike trailhead to the Park area beginning and 11 a.m. both days.

For more information, contact the chamber office at 724-628-5500.