CARVIN' FUN INTO WINTER
Chainsaw Rendezvous draws thousands to Ridgway

Wood wasn't the only thing being carved at last week's ninth annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous. Ice sculpters were also part of the event, which drew a record crowd. James Moate Photo

Carvers came from 14 countries and upwards of 40 states for last week's ninth annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous. It has become one of the region's fastest-growing and most unique tourist attractions.

Organizers Rick and Liz Boni said the record turnout this year ensures that the Rendezvous will continue. It is now the world's largest non-competitive event of its kind.

Just over 200 carvers registered to demonstrate their skills. One of them, Denny Beach of Wapwallopen, was back for his ninth Rendezvous. He has earned five national championships - yes, there is such a competition - and is a crowd favorite with his pleasant personality and realistic carvings.

Beach said he has been practicing chainsaw artistry for a quarter-century.

Beach has carved so many subjects that he has lost count, but his current passion is to turn a massive log into life-sized, standing bears.

Technicians from GKN in Emporium saw the Rendezvous as a chance to show some special guests a glimpse of local culture. Todd Smith, Sean Johnston and Brandon Nichols escorted visiting executives from the GKN plant in Danyang, China, to Ridgway.

The group was in Emporium for three weeks of training on a forging line set up at the local GKN plant. In May, several Emporium technicians will travel to China for support training.

Carving wasn't the only emphasis. Mick Burns presented a seminar on chainsaw maintenance. Barre Pinske demonstrated hydraulic saws. Several other experts shared their knowledge during workshops.

Youngest participant was 10-year-old Stefan Szkipala of Chesterfield Township, Mich., who accompanied his father, Emil.

He carved a mushroom that he donated to a charity auction. Stefan also carved a pair of turtles, trying out a birthday present from his father: a new chainsaw, of course.

Emil Szkipala, originally from Romania, is a furniture carver who started chainsaw art as a hobby at the suggestion of a friend.

Szkipala said he found the communities of northcentral Pennsylvania to be charming.

"It's how I use to live in the old country," he noted.

During a charity auction held to sell upwards of 200 carvings, the sponsors netted nearly $50,000. Proceeds from this year's auction will benefit Appalachian Education Inc., and will help to defray costs for next year's event.