Lumberjacks and Firemen Rule the Weekend
Don’t call him a “little squirt”! Aidan Flynn, age 3, of Salinas, Ca shows great potential as future fireman! In the background is a restored 1930 REO speed wagon, also known as a “hose wagon.” “We use this truck for the children’s events,” explains Edwina Wiersma of Carson City, Nevada; and who helped oversee the event. “It’s so we can have our youngsters know what the fire service is all about – and maybe interest them in becoming firefighters!” The truck is owned by Paul Dilley (seen standing) and his mother, Kathy. It is known as the Mutual Aid Fire Company, in Lincoln, CA, where the truck is housed. Photo by Greg Kristapovich.
Last weekend lumberjacks and firefighters axed and blasted through the competition, entertaining hundreds of people attending the exciting events. On Saturday and Sunday (June 21-22) the Gold Country Fireman’s Muster took place in Murphys bringing firefighters throughout California to participate in the various methods of competition. Contests included motorized pumpers, hand pumpers, hose carts, and bucket brigades as well as water squirting competitions, hose rolling and a mini hose cart race for the children. Thursday through Sunday (June 19-22) Tuolumne was alive with the sights and sounds of the 59th Lumber Jubilee. These four days of fun included a carnival, live music, queen coronation, parade, soapbox derby, arm wrestling, horseshoe tournaments, and children’s events. Sunday, June 22 was the most anticipated day and around 1,500 people crowded around Tuolumne Memorial Park to watch the logging events. There was plenty of chainsaws and sawdust for all, as well as axe throwing, double bucking and the ever popular “Bull of the Wood” and Tug o’ war events. Be sure to mark your calendars for these events next year!
The Tuolumne County Tug O’ War Team proudly hold up their trophies after defeating the Sonora Tug O’ War Team after an intense 17 minutes and 41 seconds of competition. Back row: The Willis brothers, Kile (left) and Dane (right). Front row from left to right: David Domser (coach) Jake Harper, Cody Munsel, Stephen Betzler, Donald Betzler, Bob Walker (coach) and Darel Tinkel. Tinkel was a long time tug o’ war participant and coach and he donated the trophies for the winning team from Blue Mt. Minerals. Photo by Thomas Atkins.
“The Bull of the Woods” was a very popular event as the crowd cheered on the competitors trying to knock each other off the log. Pictured above is the championship round between Eddie Hard (left) and Nate Hodges (right). Nate ended up winning the “Bull of the Woods” competition, as well as other events throughout the day. Photo by Thomas Atkins.
