The 64th Annual Lumberjack World Championships rolls into Hayward, Wisconsin, once again bringing a unique competition to the community.

The lumberjack competition began in 1960 on the shores of Lake Hayward and is held at the Lumberjack Bowl – historically a holding pond for log drives down the Namekagon River.

“It’s so fitting that we’re in an Olympic year right now watching the Summer Olympics. These are the Olympians of lumberjacking from all over the world. So, to have them come in here, it really means a lot to this community. And they love coming here and they love the warm welcome they get from the community here,” said Shawn Connelly, marketing director of the Lumberjack World Championships.

Click the video box below to hear from Shawn Connelly.

The 2024 championships kicked off with comedian Charlie Berens Wednesday night, and competition began Thursday morning. Competitors come from around the world to compete in events such as log rolling, chopping, sawing, boom running, climbing and much more.

Ninety-seven athletes from six countries around the world came out to compete in the three-day event, and many of them will fight for the championship title in the finals on Saturday.

” My entire calendar year revolves around the Lumberjack World Championships. I train for it all year long and most importantly I look forward to it all year long. I just love being here. It’s a magical place and a really cool atmosphere, a great community here in Hayward and some really fantastic athletes that come up to compete,” said Livi Pappadopoulos, five-time women’s logrolling world champion.

Doors open at 11:30AM each day, with preliminary events taking place through the afternoon and full competitions following opening ceremonies at 5:30PM.

For information on the schedule and events, go to Lumberjack World Championships – Hayward, WI

Click the video box below to hear from Sam LaSalle, the LWC event manager.