Chain saw carvers show off skills despite the snow, chill
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — Rain and cold temperatures couldn't keep some of the best chain saw carvers in the world and carving enthusiasts down over the weekend, when about 1,000 people turned out for the fourth annual Butler Chain Saw Carving International.
The event, which ran from Friday through Sunday at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, 625 Evans City Road, hosted 21 chain saw carving experts who created about 180 items that went up for auction.
Wind, rain and brief snow caused attendance to be down from last year's event, organizers said, and several carvers had to cancel their appearances for other reasons. But despite those challenges, the event met organizers' expectations.
“The lovely chain saw carving men and women are hardworking people with phenomenal talent,” said Damian Skal, a carver and the event organizer. “With all the challenges that we did have, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise of a success.”It is held each year on the weekend after Mother's Day, and Skal said that organizers are looking forward to planning next year's event.For information about the invitational, visit butlerchainsawcarving.com.
