Ewen celebrates logging heritage with parade, craft show

EWEN — Humorous floats carried whimsically-dressed patrons along the main street of Ewen on Saturday for the 37th annual Ewen Log Jamboree.

The celebration took place this past Friday and Saturday at various spots throughout the town.

On Friday, attendees were able to attend a bake sale and craft fair at Centennial Hall and witness the Log Jamboree Variety Show at the Ewen-Trout Creek School. The events on Saturday commenced with a Logger’s Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Other events included a craft show at Centennial Hall, quilt show at Brambleberry, a parade and a free “Bikes for Kids” raffle.

The Brambleberry quilt show has been held for the last six years, open to the public every other year. All of the quilts on display this year were made by locals and late entries were accepted at the door. Those who visited the craft show had the option to enter a raffle to win a filled sewing bag.

The store owner, Vicki Kurtti, mentioned that the business plans to craft “chemo caps” for women with breast cancer as a winter project.

The craft show exhibited the creations of various local vendors. Such vendors included Mary Tarbainen, who sold a modern design of fashion scarves and homemade beading.

The Jamboree’s highlighted event was the late morning parade. The parade began with Ewen American Legion Post 41 veterans, who presented the color guard as jamboree attendees sang the national anthem.

The color guard was followed by numerous other floats advertising local organizations and businesses, including: Gustafson Excavation and Logging of Agate, State Bank of Ewen and “Here Come the Ducks,” a colorful float supporting the rubber ducky raffle tickets being sold throughout the celebration.

The parade concluded with a semi of Jared Thompson Trucking hauling an abundant supply of logs.

Following the parade, attendees were able to participate in kids’ games, a cross cut sign competition and a rubber ducky race.