Community members are invited to witness chainsaw carvers performing the "sport of art" at a free event in Bothwell.
Mike Winia of Mike's Wood Solutions Inc. and "Carver Kings" Paul and Jacob Frenette are hosting the "Timber Fest" live carving show and auction from June 9 to 11.
Winia has carved professionally for the last 15 years. He represented Canada at the 2015 World Championships in Germany and took home third place at the 2016 Canadian Championships in British Columbia.
The master-carver refers to his craft as "the sport of art."
"It really is the sport of art. It’s the only art form that is also a sport - and it’s an extreme sport at that," Winia said. "You really have to be physically fit to be able to push in competitions we are putting on."
Timber Fest will give local residents a chance to see carvers from all over Canada and the United States perform their delicate yet dangerous work.
Fans of chainsaw carving may know the Fernettes from their HGTV show Carver Kings. Winia said personalities from the OLN show Saw Dogs will also be there for the event.
A Speed Carve will happen daily at 1 p.m., a challenge in which carvers have one hour to complete a sculpture.
"That’s usually a fun thing for people to see, they like to watch that part of it. And then those carvings will go up for auction," Winia added. "If you watch it happen, a lot of times, you’ll fall in love with the piece that’s getting created. And it’s from somebody that’s far away and maybe you'll maybe never get a chance to buy a piece of art from them again, so it’s a good opportunity.”
Carvings and other wood pieces will go up for auction on Sunday afternoon. Other items up for grabs include firewood, logs, and wood slabs that can be used for do-it-yourself projects like tables and charcuteries boards.
Those interested in attending can punch 29993 West Bothwell Road. Winia says the event is happening directly across from that address.
"Once you get here you'll see it," Winia assured. "You can't miss it."
For more information on Timber Fest, see the event Facebook page.