Last year, the competitive logging games and exhibitions that are a part of Wrangell’s Fourth of July activities marked their 50th year and were known by the founder’s name, the Chuck Oliver Logging Show.

This year marks a time of transition, with new leadership and a mix of old and new events that now will be known as the Wrangell Fourth of July Logging Show. 

Adrienne McLaughlin, whose grandfather was Chuck Oliver, said trees add new rings which reflect growth and changing times while building around a central core. “Grandpa Chuck’s spirit will always be a part of the story, but it’s time to enlarge the story.”

She will serve as this year’s emcee.

McLaughlin has pushed to have the games better reflect the critical role of women in logging camps. The long-standing rolling pin toss was not representative of all the work that women did in the camps, she said. 

“Yes, the men went out and did their work, but the women in the camps were responsible for raising and educating the children, cooking, maintaining gardens, laundry. They carried the weight of everyday life, and we hope to celebrate their sacrifice and strength. Their contributions were not measured in board feet but were every bit as necessary to the success of the loggers.”

She is hoping that rotating events for women will put a new light on those contributions. This year’s competition includes a “Put Together a Sack Lunch” event — with a timer.

“We really work hard to keep the logging games as an expression of Wrangell history,” said Tom Roland, who served as co-chair with Randy Oliver since 2019 and took on sole leadership this year when Oliver stepped back after the 50th celebration.

Roland initially got involved with the logging show while posted in Wrangell with the U.S. Forest Service. Four years ago, his job moved him to Seward, but he’s stayed committed to the event. “It is near and dear to me, and it’s too cool of a piece to let it go,” he said.

“People came to Wrangell for the industry. They brought with them a self-sufficient spirit, a desire to be outdoors and contributed to building the town.”

He said each event is based on telling the story and the history of the logging camps. “The games began as a way of passing time in camps and then became a spectator sport. We like to use the old tools in the events, as a way of celebrating the pioneer spirit.”

The traditional logging events will all be part of this year’s games, including power saw, hand saw and ax-chopping competitions.

“While there is still some commercial logging, many competitors are now younger and less experienced,” Roland said.

“One important part of the games is educational, teaching the audience about the kinds of activities loggers do, but also to make sure competitors understand how to be safe. While it may be a part of Wrangell culture — lots of people know how to use chainsaws and an ax, but we also want to encourage and welcome visitors who are interested in participating.”

Roland said he has been overwhelmed by the public support and commitment to ensure the event’s success. “People have really gone above and beyond to make sure we have prizes, that there are volunteers to serve as timers and judges, and the gas and diesel needed is being donated.”

The Wrangell Fourth of July Logging Show will begin at 1 p.m. on July 4 in front of the City Dock. The entry fee is $35; sign-up is at noon; open to contestants 18 years and older — and contestants must be sober, Roland said.

Separate from the logging show, the holiday schedule includes the traditional log-rolling contest at 1 p.m. July 3 at the City Dock, for contestants who think they can stay on their two feet, or even one foot, longer than anyone else. The greased pole competition is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 3, at City Dock, testing contestants’ grip on things.