Early American traditions and old fashioned family fun converge at Klondike Days in Eagle River on Saturday and Sunday, February 21-22. Voted Wisconsin’s top winter festival, Klondike Days combines 1800s voyageur encampment and a fur trade rendezvous with lumberjack and weight-pull competitions, food, music and fun.
The roar of chainsaws and crack of the ax resonate as lumberjacks and -jills compete in the Great Northern Lumberjack Competition. Experience the only winter challenge of its kind as individuals and teams square off in head-to-head chain sawing, crosscutting and ax throwing contests.
Bears, badgers and elk are just a sampling of the log-inspired creations that will take shape before your eyes during the chainsaw carving competitions. Local and national carvers showcase their skills for spectators and judges alike in pursuit of the festival’s cash bounty.
The crafts and living skills of early Americans are on display at the “Buckskinners” Rendezvous site. Vendors and blanket traders offer their handcrafted wares to those in search of “plunder” and authentic gifts.
Witness the best weight-pulling canines in the Midwest pull upwards of 2000 pounds along a 16-foot skid during the annual dog weight pull competitions. Don’t miss the invitational pull featuring the top dogs in the Tri-State Alaskan Malamute Club point standings.
Live bluegrass and local music, buffalo burgers, Paul Bunyan brownies and snowshoe demos are just a couple of the happenings rounding out this fun-filled family adventure.
Klondike Days activities will take place at the Northland Pines High School and Rocking W Stables just off Highway 45 North. Food will be available at all locations. Most of the events will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
For more information about Klondike Days visit www.klondikedays.org or call the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-359-6315.