If you’re a fan of lumberjack competitions, chainsaw carvings, or just want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, the Paul Bunyan Show in Cambridge, Ohio, might be the perfect fall festival for you.
Taking place at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds from October 4th to 6th, this quirky festival celebrates all things forestry and is packed with unique entertainment, demonstrations, and a healthy dose of lumberjack spirit.
At the heart of the Paul Bunyan Show are the Ohio State Lumberjack Championships and the International Lumberjack Competition—events that will have you holding your breath as skilled competitors wield axes and chainsaws like pros. From log burling to log loader contests, the excitement of the competitions is hard to resist.
The festival is named after Paul Bunyan, the legendary giant lumberjack of American folklore.
With his massive blue ox, Babe, Paul Bunyan is said to have carved out the Great Lakes and cleared forests with a single swing of his giant axe. While the stories of his larger-than-life adventures are often exaggerated, they capture the spirit of hardworking loggers and the frontier wilderness. The Paul Bunyan Show keeps that spirit alive by celebrating the rich history of forestry and the rugged lifestyle of lumberjacks.
The show offers much more than lumberjack sports. Expect to see chainsaw carving demonstrations that turn raw wood into works of art, sawmill exhibitions showing off heavy-duty equipment, and even wood stove presentations. If you’ve ever wondered about the latest in forest industry technology, this is the place to check it out. There’s also an Arborist Skills Clinic, where you can learn about tree care and see professionals in action.
But it’s not all about big machines and competitions.
There’s plenty of hands-on fun and educational opportunities, too. You can check out wood crafts, attend forestry seminars, and even bid in the Wood Auction on Sunday, where all the wood processed during the show is auctioned off. Firewood, wood chips, milled wood—if you need it, it’s probably here!
For those looking to make a weekend of it, camping is available on-site. Just keep in mind that due to drought conditions, a burn ban is in effect, so campfires won’t be allowed. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the festival, though—there will be plenty of food vendors serving up delicious eats to keep you going throughout the day.
Whether you’re passionate about forestry or just looking for a fun day out, the Paul Bunyan Show has something for everyone.
Tickets are available in advance at discounted rates, so if you’re planning to go, grab them early to skip the line and save a few bucks. Don’t miss out on this unique Ohio festival that combines entertainment, education, and a little lumberjack flair.
For more info about the festival, head over to thepaulbunyanshow.com.