Nothing quite says “summer in Toledo” like a bunch of burly men revving up their chainsaws.
Saws, chokers, axes and more will all be put through their paces at this weekend’s Toledo Summer Festival & Logging Show, alongside a carnival, Main Street parade and a Saturday night fireworks display.
The festivities get underway on Thursday, July 18, with the Sidewalk Chalk Contest on Main Street. Participants can pick up chalk at Bank of the West and work on their masterpieces from 10 am to 3 pm when judging begins. Winners will be announced after the Summer Festival Queen’s Coronation, scheduled for 7 pm at Toledo’s Memorial Field.
Friday, July 19, sees the start of the festival proper, with a kids’ parade from the library along Main Street at 6 pm. Kids aged one to 12 are invited to dress up in bright clothing, bring their bikes, dogs or favorite toys and join the procession to Memorial Field.
Once the parade arrives at the field, the festival will be open for business, with a carnival, food and craft vendors, bingo and a beer garden. Entertainment will include the Magical Mr. B at 7 pm, followed by a performance from the Sol Fire Dancers at 9:30 pm.
On Saturday at 11 am, the Grand Parade will begin at Muggly’s Bowling and finish at the end of Main Street, where the gates to the festival will open for a second day of fun.
Saturday is also when the crowd will get revved up for the chainsaw steeplechase and the many other events that make up the Logging Show.
The amateur-only event celebrates Toledo’s timber heritage with events including the Axe Throw, Obstacle Pole, Double Buck, Wrapper Throw, Block Toss and the Jack & Jill double-handed saw contest.
The show starts at 1 pm. The cost to enter is $5 per event and there are cash prizes for the winners.
Saturday entertainment will include the finals of the Karaoke Contest at 6:30 pm, followed by a performance from the Cherry Ash Band. The evening will come to a grand climax at 10 pm with a fireworks display.
The festival will continue through Sunday, with attractions including the return of the Kids Logging Show, starting at 1 pm and featuring contests including the Log Roll, Choker Set and Plastic Axe Throw for kids aged four to 15.
The Toledo Summer Festival & Logging Show takes place at Memorial Field, located on NW A Street between Industrial Way and NW 1st Street
Entry buttons are available for sale around town at $10 for three days or $8 for one day.
