THUNDER BAY — Dozens of families were seen enjoying the forestry themed activities on Saturday.
The Lumberjack Jamboree is an annual event held by Vickers Heights Community Centre that encourages families to learn about the area’s rich history in forestry, while having fun outside.
“The kids compete in different activities this afternoon. As well as all of the log activities, they have an obstacle course and different events inside too. This morning, we were jam packed with our pancake breakfast between 10 and 12. It's just a fun community activity to get together,” said Linda Rydholm, board member at Vickers Heights Community Centre.
The event dates back many years, she added.
“My children were very much involved when they were young. That was about 30 years ago, so it's been going on for quite a long time.”
Rydholm said trees are a natural resource that have been with us forever.
“One should try to understand or be familiar with one's history in order to appreciate what's happening today and to plan and work for tomorrow. We are so very fortunate to live where we do with those trees and sometimes, we take for granted our beautiful surroundings. The trees are important.”
The Kakabeka Tired Iron Club participates each year as well, displaying different equipment that could be used in forestry.
“Forestry has been important forever. It's still important, and especially in northern Ontario. Those jobs are important and very vital to our well-being for our communities. This afternoon the children will be learning a bit about working with logs and what they do with them, whether they're rolling them or cutting them, stacking them, we have those kinds of fun activities out there. It's a beautiful day with lovely weather, softly falling snow, so nature has blessed us today. It's just a fun community activity to remember the past but also remember how important the forest is to all of us in many ways,” Rydholm said.
Members of the Lakehead Timbersports volunteered at the Lumberjack Jamboree, and highlighted that the day was fun for a wide variety of ages.
