FORT KENT, Maine – A variety of logging-related events, including lumberjack demonstrations, a logger parade, and a log loading competition, and even a beard and mustache contest, are slated for three days in May as part of Fort Kent’s first ever Logger Fest.
The Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce has organized the three-day event, and announced via social media recently that it will begin on Friday, May 17 and go until Sunday, May 19.
“This family-friendly event celebrates the rich logging heritage of our community, showcasing the skills, traditions, and spirit of those who work in the industry,” the announcement states.
Amber Rankine, Executive Director of the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, said this will be a biennial event in the coming years.
She said the idea was pitched by a colleague as a way to honor and appreciate the region’s large community of hard working people in the logging industry.
“I immediately wondered why we hadn’t done this before,” Rankine said. “With a new crew of board members that happened to have amazing connections and experiences in this department, we decided to take on the adventure and it is coming along quite nicely.”
Rankine said the logging industry has shaped the region’s landscape, both physically and culturally.
“From the early days of hand saws and river drives to today’s sophisticated machinery and sustainable forestry practices, the festival will showcase the evolution of logging and its importance to our region’s identity,” she said.
The festival will kick off on May 17 at 4 p.m. with a cable throwing competition in the Irving parking lot and an 8 p.m. Steinhold competition at JD’s tavern. The bulk of events, however, are planned for the following day.
Saturday’s lineup starts with an 8 a.m. log loading competition at Daigle and Houghton. At 10 a.m., a logger demonstration will take place at the parking lot next to China Garden while DJs Pam and Craig Thibodeau begin on 273 Main Street, where another logging demonstration will take place at 1 p.m.
A five-hour street party is planned on West Main Street from 2 to 7 p.m. The party will feature an arm wrestling competition, a beard and mustache contest, face painting, a chili cook off, and a tug of war contest for both children and adults. Musician Charlie Ouellette will play an acoustic set outside JD’s Tavern at 4 p.m., and Adam Ouellette will play a 6 p.m. set. The night will be capped off with 8:30 p.m. fireworks followed by a final show by Adam Ouellette at JD’s Tavern.
Sunday festivities will begin early with a 6 a.m. Lumberjack Breakfast at The Whistle Stop restaurant, followed by a 10 a.m. logger parade, beginning at the Fort Kent Courthouse.
The event will cap off at 2 p.m. with a “Touch a Truck” event, where guests can touch a logging vehicle in either the KC Hall, Irving parking lot, or Fort Kent Industrial Park. Children need to be accompanied by adults and all guests need to wear closed-toe shoes.
Anyone interested in registering to participate in the festival is encouraged to reach out to the chamber via email at fortkentchamber@gmail.com or by calling (207) 834-5354.
“We believe that by celebrating our logging heritage, we not only pay homage to the past and present workers of the industry but also educate and inspire future generations about the value of natural resources and the importance of managing them responsibly,” Rankine said.
This story was updated to include the correct time of the Sunday Lumberjack Breakfast.
