By Adam Donnelly

Lumberjack showcase takes over TRU

Apr 8, 2016 | 4:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — Forestry has been a significant industry in British Columbia since the mid-1800’s and today it still plays a significant role in the economy of our province.

Long before the mechanization of forestry the Lumberjack was the front line worker of the forest industry, and while handsaws and axes have been replaced by chainsaws and feller bunchers – the tradition of Lumberjacking is being kept alive through lumberjack competitions.

Today at TRU a competition was held on campus.
 

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Beards, and plaid. Two pieces of lumberjack culture, which have been appropriated by 21st century hipsters. Mix in some flapjacks, and a healthy sprinkling of sawdust, and instead of hipsters you get lumberjacks again.

“Bring your beard, and your plaid up Let’s give you an axe and see what you can do,” said Darren Dean, owner of West Coast Lumberjack Show. “It affirms we’re the real lumberjacks, and they’re not.”

Logging helped shape Canada, and British Columbia, and it has a long history on the west coast. For Dean, and the rest of his crew, the show is a way keep the lumberjack tradition alive.

“The logging industry, and lumberjacks, it’s what founded BC, and most of the country,” Dean said, after the show at TRU. “It’s just great to preserve that history.”

Jillian Folk, International Student Activity program Advisor, and organiser of the Lumberjack Games at TRU, says the event is meant to share BC’s cultural with the international students who attend TRU, as well as celebrate the last day of classes at the university.

“As you know, ]here] in British Columbia, we were all lumberjacks back in the day,” Folk told CFJC Today. “It’s a chance to wear plaid, but it’s also a celebration of the last day of class.”

After the sawdust settled, students could pick up a Douglas Fir seedling, which could help replace the trees harmed in the lumberjack show.

Marcus Randt, who was handing out trees, hopes people plant them around the city. “We’re hopinh everbody plants them in nice locations around Kamloops, to make it more green,” said Randt.

After the West Coast Lumberjacks roll through town, those new seedlings might be needed.