35th Barkpeelers Convention this weekend

Barkpeelers Convention marks its 35th anniversary Saturday and Sunday at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in central Potter County.

It's a festival blending entertainment with a unique hands-on education about timber harvesting. There are also audience participation activities, all in keeping with the spirit of the 1890-1910 era, when lumber was king.

Birling competition pits contestants on opposite ends of a huge log set afloat in the pond. The last to remain standing is the champion.

Novices might have a better chance in the greased pole contest. A huge log of white pine, coated generously with Crisco, hangs horizontally over a pile of sawdust. Two at a time, contestants try to remain on the log as they pound away at each other with soft pillows. Whoever remains perched through the final round is the winner.

For youngsters, the Barkpeelers Convention offers the frog-jumping contest.

The grounds will open at 9 am on both days, with programs starting at 10. Transportation will be available from the Ski Denton parking lot to the museum.

Saturday's special events include greased pole at 2:30; and tobacco spitting competition at 3:30. On Sunday, frog jumping begins at 11, amateur cross-cut saw competition at 1, and birling at 2.

Visitors can climb aboard a stationary steam locomotive, watch wood craftsmen and a blacksmith at work, enjoy refreshments and check out the steam-powered equipment of yesteryear.

Sadie Green Sales Jug Band returns this year with its special music and frivolity, and Van Wagner will sing and entertain Saturday afternoon. Colorful "History Alive" performances feature by a true character actor, Rich Pawling.

For more information, call the Lumber Museum at 435-2652.