Whittle the Wood Rendezvous - Craig, CO

2011 Rendezvous performance by:     The Outlaws Admission is FREE Whittle the Wood is a four-day event where wood carvers from across the nation converge on City Park to turn tree stumps into works of art. The public is free to wander through the park and watch the progress. The Rendezvous culminates on Saturday with a festival where the entries are judged and the city of Craig provides a free concert in the park. Contact:  (970) 826-2029

June 15-18, 2011

In 1999, it was discovered that many of the trees in the Craig City Park were diseased and were becoming hazardous. Trees are presious and there was backlash from the community about the decision to remove the trees.

It was city employee Mike Shelton's idea to have chainsaw carvers to whittle the stumps into pieces of art.  The event was so popular the first year that the festival became an annual event. 

 

With only a certain number of trees to cut down in the City Park, trees stumps are now implanted each year for the event.  The carvers draw for the stump they will begin carving on a Wednesday and finish on a Saturday.  People wander through the park during the days leading up to the main event to watch the carving in progress. 

 

Whittle the Wood is fun for the whole family.  This year’s event will start on June 15, and the Rendezvous will take place on Saturday, June 18.  On Saturday food and craft vendors fill the park and the public enjoys a free concert.  This year’s featured band is The Outlaws.   No dogs will be allowed in the park.

New this year:

People will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol to the park this year.

Coolers are welcome but subject to search. Beer concessions will be available throughout the day.

 

Each year the carvers compete in five categories.  First, second and third places as well as people’s choice and artist choice are awarded.  For more information on how to participate please call 970-826-2029. In addition to Saturday's festivities, the Colorado Cruises /Bear River YoungLife Car show fills the streets in historic downtown Craig. More than 100 cars are entered. There is free transportation via a classic car between City Park and the Car Show.

 Whittle the Wood Rendezvous winning carvers

 

 

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