RIDGWAY – The eighth annual Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous is
slated for Feb. 17-24 at the Clarion River Holding Co., the former
Motion Control Industrial Complex on West Main Street.

The rendezvous began in Ridgway and has given the town the title
of “Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World.” The ice carving will
remain at the same location at the Visitor’s Center on Main
Street.

The Rendezvous started as a backyard gathering of six chainsaw
carvers. In 2000, this small group of carvers took it public. Since
then, it has grown to the world’s largest non-competitive event of
its kind and evolved into a partnership of community and artistic
spirit. Each year, they challenge themselves to do better than the
last.

In previous years, an estimated 30,000 people visited the event.
A similar number is expected this year.

“We are having a record number of carvers coming this year,” Liz
Boni, spokeswoman and wife of co-founder Rick Boni, said.
Currently, there are 215 registered carvers and many more that have
expressed interest, but not yet registered from 38 states and 14
countries.

The event will also be featured nationally, with ESPN crews
coming to film on Feb. 17 for the television show “Wanna’ Go
Fishing?”

With many seminars slated throughout the event, carvers of all
skill levels will be able to learn new techniques and share their
knowledge. All seminars will be held at the Appalachian Art Studios
on Boot Jack Road. Carving demonstrations and the ever-popular
auction to benefit local charities, will round out the event.

“Our famous charity auction is literally one of the few
opportunities you’ll have anywhere in the world to select from such
a diverse and unique range of chainsaw sculptures,” Boni said.
“There’ll be all carvings great and small, fun and serious,
functional and decorative, so whatever your taste and budget is,
you’re sure to find something here that’s perfect for you.”

A limited-edition memorial and commemorative poster will be for
sale during this year’s event as well.

For more information or to register, contact Boni at home or at
the official Rendezvous Web site at www.chainsawrendezvous.org.

The Rendezvous Planning Committee’s next meeting is slated for 6
p.m. Feb. 11 at Appalachian Arts.

The following is the schedule of events for the Rendezvous:

Feb. 17-18

Carvers move in. Setting up and stress free carving
demonstrations will be available;

Feb. 19

9 a.m., Jamie Doren and Niels Ejnar Petersen, Buddy Seminar
Tools and Techniques, United States and Europe;

11 a.m., Dayton Scoggins, mystery seminar;

Feb. 20

9 a.m., Dave Lavoie (Captain Dave), gadgets;

11 a.m., Robbin Wenzoski, finishing and detailing (especially
the eyes);

Feb. 21

9 a.m., Mick Burns, chain and chain maintenance;

All day carving on the grounds in Ridgway;

Feb. 22

9 a.m., Steve Backus, tips for running a chainsaw carving
event;

11 a.m., AJ Lutter, Minding your Own Business (owning and
running a retail outlet);

All day carving on the grounds in Ridgway;

Feb. 23

All day, all registered carvers on the grounds in Ridgway;

Ice carving at the Visitors Center;

Professional carving demonstrations on the grounds in
Ridgway;

10 a.m., Denny Beach (USA);

Noon, Sebastian Sieffert (Germany);

Feb. 24

Morning, finishing off carving on the grounds in Ridgway;
and

Noon, auction