The annual Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree takes place each Labor Day weekend at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum next to White Pines Lake in honor of the logging heritage in White Pines and Arnold. Sponsored by the museum, the event includes a captivating logging competition show with amateur and professional competitors. The day’s entertainment includes delicious food, and tours of the museum and restored Shay locomotive plus fun games and raffle prizes.
Anyone can sign up as an amateur to try their hand at log bucking, axe throwing and the like with amateur the competition starting at 9:00 am. Professionals competeĀ beginning at noon with axe throwing, hotsaws, limber pole bucking, Jack and Jill bucking and buck logs.
As each competition section ends, the resulting slices of log are available to spectators from the audience to collect. This is a huge hit with kids who rush to the stage to collect these competition artifacts which they can get branded by the USFS – making a unique though rather large and heavy souvenir š
This family event is highly attended, so try to arrive early to get a good spot in the amphitheater. Bring sunscreen too because the amphitheater is not fully shaded.
Love this event? You’ll also love our annual Lumberjack Day in West Point, which takes place on the first Saturday in October with a full day of family-friendly activities including a lumberjack competition.
See National Geographic’s listing on the Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree on their Sierra Nevada Geotourism site.