June 22, 2015 at 4:11 p.m.
Rain impacts Boom Lake Log Jam
Rain impacts Boom Lake Log Jam
The day started off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Masonic Lodge.
At 9 a.m., the Police Association 5K Run/Walk kicked off with sirens. It did not start raining until after the race began.
A representative from the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce said turnout was good despite the rain, with many heading straight to the entertainment tent.
The bloody mary contest in the entertainment tent went on undeterred, with 20 judges coming through by 11 a.m., according to organizers.
Newlywed Nicole Klein was along to play designated driver for her husband, who was acting as a judge.
"I don't like bloody marys, but he does," she said.
After the rain subsided around 1 p.m., crowds began to appear, some in rain gear.
There was an active chainsaw art exhibit, where festival goers got to watch art being made by a man with a chainsaw, along with a display of artwork he made previously.
Logging equipment was set up for people to see and understand what modern day logging is like, as well as a logging museum for folks to see what it was like in days of yore.
Participants got to try their hand with the cross saw, slicing off chunks of wood in teams of two.
A child's scavenger hunt went on all day, a bounce house was set up, and food and vendor booths were available for everyone's enjoyment.
Music was playing in the big tent Friday night, and day and night Saturday. Bands included Raised Reckless, Copper Box, Old Pine Road, and Bear Creek Band.
The Hodag did not make an appearance as he was in a terrible mood. His handler, Gene Shepard impersonator Jerry Shidell, and assistant Junior did not want to risk anyone's safety.
"It's just not going to happen today because I'm not going to risk Junior's life and I'm not going to risk your safety," said Shidell, who brought the Hodag to the Log Jam. Terrible growls and other terrifying sounds could be heard behind the wall where the Hodag was kept.
Other activities included an All-American Lumberjack Show and a Hodag Water Show.
Sunday morning dawned clear and sunny, making it inviting for paddlers to take part in the paddle contest. Kayaks and stand up paddleboards, along with canoes, were used to race across Boom Lake and down the Wisconsin River.
This was the first year of racing, and about 30 people participated, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce said.
Other activities on Sunday included the logging museum, with logging equipment still set up to view.
Katie Pertunnen may be reached at [email protected].
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