Timber Days pays tribute to community's heritage

PRIEST RIVER — There's never a shortage of fun at the community's annual Timber Days celebration, slated for July 26-27.

Leading off the fun will be the Nell Shipman Film Festival at 5 p.m. Friday at the Rex Theater. Starting at 5:30 p.m. is the event's cornhole tournament, being held at the Priest River Museum. Sign-up for the tournament begins at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., join the fun of the Asphalt Angels Car Cruise, followed by the street dance at 8 p.m.

While the Run for the Berries isn't being held this year, there is plenty of fun on tap as Timber Days hits full stride Saturday.

Beginning at 7 a.m., a pancake breakfast will be held on Main Street, providing plenty of fuel for the day. From 9-10 a.m., registration for the annual Timber Days parade will be held at Pillar Financial Group, 9 10th St. (next to the junior high school), for folks wanting to take part in the parade. There is no charge for chamber members; the fee for non-chamber members is $5.

Judging begins at 10 a.m. and the parade itself will begin at 11 a.m. sharp. Award categories include non-profit organization, logging truck, logging equipment, classic car, business, and open. All vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver.

Horse entries must include proof of insurance with every form and candy must be handed out once entries reach the city park.

Registration for the annual Timber Days competition will be held from 9-11 a.m. at Bonner Park West. Logging competition events will begin at noon at the park with awards slated for 4 p.m. A beer garden will be available at the competition.

With Timber Days activity, the boat launch at Bonner Park West will be closed. However, boat launches at Albeni Cove and Riley Creek will be open.

The Timber Days Show & Shine Car Show will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Priest River Junior High School, while the Rex Theater will host a Family Day starting at 11 a.m. In addition, there will be free horse-drawn wagon rides from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. from Priest River City Hall.

Food and craft vendors will fill the park at Bonner Park West from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with kids events also taking place at the park during that time. 

At the park, chamber officials said there will be plenty of seat with shade and misting tents to help residents stay cool.

This year's Bull of the Woods joins a list of storied loggers in the community selected because of their extraordinary character and dedication to the timber industry. Those selected for the honor have included those who have worked in logging, forestry, truck driving, or in one of the area’s lumber mills.

Past Bulls of the Woods include: Earl Fiedler, Ivan Rock, Gene Robinson, Barney Stone, Kenny Bretthauer, Teddy Naccarato, Jim Bews, Don Pettit, Jack Fuher, Jim Linton, Floyd Wylie, Lloyd and Laurence Reynolds, Reuben Akre, Cecil Wylie, Ron Nelson, Ted Monk, Buck Merritt, Jim Lake, Roy Cliff, Clint Hutchins, Billy Follmer, Norm Peterson, Ray Harold, Darrel Wear, Mike Reynolds, Jeff Connolly, Mike Naccarato, Doug Cook, Curly Davaz and Bobby Bombino, Shorty Graham, Rick Pettit, Steve Gregory, and Todd and Dean Douglas.

Information: Priest River Chamber of Commerce, visitpriestriver.com