It’s been seven years but if you listen closely, you can still hear the sounds of lumberjacks sharpening their axes and waxing their beards.
Then again, that might be actual sounds you’re hearing since the Great Canadian Lumberjacks are making their return to Stratford Winterfest this weekend.
The last time the burly bunch made an appearance at the snowy festival was 2017 which, according to Clark Ellah of Great Canadian Lumberjacks (GCL) is the same year they were created.
“Stratford was one of our first events, and having performed for years for other lumberjack shows across Canada, my wife Jaclyn and myself decided to take a leap and start an entertainment company of our own,” he said. “In that time our show has changed and developed substantially to what it is today.”
Competitive lumberjacking is a very competitive and very niche sport, and Ellah said it can become very addicting as well.
“It’s full of positive, outgoing and helpful people, and we compete outside of the entertainment show so as you travel across Canada you are always met with a smile and warm welcome from fellow competitors,” he said. “Most of the competitors in Ontario have gotten their start from Fleming College in Lindsay, as they have a varsity team that gives you an introduction to the sport.”
For Winterfest, Ellah said there will be two lumberjacks and an emcee for their show, which runs about 30 minutes. They will take turns demonstrating their skills while trying to outdo each other in the competition.
“There are many aspects of the show that we all love, but the best part is being in front of an energetic crowd and putting in a family-friendly show they won’t forget,” he said. “The most common questions we hear from people are about the weight of our axes and how sharp they are. Our competition racing axes are made almost exclusively in New Zealand and Australia.”
There are three shows scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25: 11:40 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. all in Upper Queen’s Park.
