Wakefield hosts first Lumberjack Festival in conjunction with 'The Way We Worked'

WAKEFIELD - The first Lumberjack Festival took place on Saturday at Eddy Park along Sunday Lake in Wakefield.

As part of the events for the Smithsonian's "The Way We Worked" traveling exhibit, as well as part of Wakefield's goal in drawing new people to the area, the festival was a day full of food, music and activities.

It was a beautiful sunny day on Saturday and the morning started with an opening ceremony and the unveiling of a student-painted mural for the city of Wakefield.

There was also a lumberjack competition of log sawing, tire flip and firewood toss in the morning.

A few musical performances throughout the day included of the Gogebic Range Concert Band, Borderline band and Marty's Goldenaires.

Throughout the day craft fair vendors were set up selling handmade goods, including jams, bread and woodcarvings.

Authentic logging equipment was on display all day and a big screen in the pavilion showed "I've Got a Secret" Eli and Vernon Miljevich game show appearance, and "Good Man in the Woods" with Emil Movrich.

Other activities included a pie eating contest, lawn games and a bonfire in the evening that included the cremation of old bonds found in the old city hall building.

Smokey Bear and a Ranger from the Ottawa National Forest walked around greeting people, taking pictures and passing out goodies.

Beverage sales were benefitting the Wakefield Public Library.