Axes away for carnival chop

LOAD up the timber and make sure the axe is sharp, because the woodchips will be flying at the woodchopping arena at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival. A highlight of the day and a true treat for spectators, men, women and juniors will be hacking and hewing into logs of timber in various disinclines from 10.30am on Saturday, January 25. Local axeman and event organiser Fabian Harding said preparations were almost complete just over a week out from the event. “Last year we had about 28 competitors which was quite a large amount for us, and I think we should get about the same,” he said. “There are only three cuts in Victoria that day, split up between the western districts, us, and Bairnsdale. “We were lucky enough, we got one of the last loads of hardwood from the government about six months ago through a combined effort between Vic Forest and DEECA. “To run an event this size, we’ll probably use 120-130 logs, it’s quite hard to run and manage it. “Everyone who’s given us a hand and come on board, everyone from DEECA, the farmers, and our committee have been fantastic.” For the first time in years, the event schedule will feature a thrilling tree climb event, a race to see which axeman can reach the top by carving notches into a pole, inserting boards in and climbing up, and repeating this before chopping through a log on top. In addition to the return of the tree climb, beloved events like the underhand and standing block will be on display for spectators. “I think the last time the tree climb was held was about seven or eight years ago, there’s been a bit of a hiatus with it,” Harding said. “It used to be quite a big event – when we had the $5000 cut, we used to have competitors come from all around Australia to compete not just in the tree climbing but the big standing block we used to have. “It’s good to have it back, it’s great to watch, unbelievable - the blokes who do it, their fitness is just above and beyond. “All up we’ve got around about $8000 in prize money as well as prizes. “Most of our events have a $350 first prize and we pay down to sixth. “It’s quite a list of events, hopefully we get enough competitors to have the women’s cut again. “We have two juniors cuts, we have an under 18s and under 13s.” In addition to the feats of strength and technique, there will be a barbecue, bar facility, and displays around the arena. Harding said the aim was to create a “picnic atmosphere” which was fun for the whole family. “The best thing with where we are down there at the carnival, it’s very close for the public to stand and watch, it’s a really good arena, plenty of shade, we’re excited to have it on again,” he said. “Wangaratta Magpies are going to have a bar facility down there, Wangaratta Aeromodellers will be down there with a barbecue again and a display. “We have different displays down there, a lot of our sponsors bring their trucks down and caravans, so we’re trying to make it a good picnic atmosphere to get people there and keep them there for the running later in the afternoon.” The Wangaratta Sports Carnival is on Saturday, January 25 at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, with the axes to fly from 10.30am

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