Ridgway, Pennsylvania's Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous

There's a quaint little town nestled in the foothills of Pennsylvania. It's the sleepy town of Ridgway. The town and its people awaken to quite a buzz every February, when it's time once again for the chainsaw carver's rendezvous. It started out as a small gathering, six people to be exact. They got together in the backyard. The first official rendezvous was held in 2000, and has grown in leaps and bounds ever since. The gathering of six carvers has grown to a whopping 244 registered this year. Estimations of visitors are in the thousands.

The rendezvous is held on the fireman's carnival grounds. Each carver sets up a booth, where passers by can view carvings in progress. It is breath taking to see a log become a work of art. Each carver has a distinctive carving personality and area of expertise. It takes skill and years of practice to be able to wield a chainsaw.

Wandering around the grounds, you find yourself lingering here and there, truly amazed at the sites to behold. If something in particular catches your eye, there's a strong possibility that you can take it home with you. Many carvings are for sale at individual booths. Also, each carver donates a piece to be auctioned off at the end of the week. All proceeds from this auction are donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.

The carvers are attracted to this event from all over the world. You'll hear conversations being carried on in German, Japanese, and French, to name a few. This is the biggest gathering of chainsaw carvers, making Ridgway the "Chainsaw Capital of the World." Rick and Liz Boni are very proud of their efforts. With the humble beginnings of this major event, no one would have ever imagined of the scope of this dream.

There's definitely a buzz in the air, and it's not people talking. No, to converse with the person next to you, you'll most likely have to yell to be heard over the sounds of the chainsaws.

It's not all about the sights and the sounds, though. Let you nose lead you to the food booths, where you can get something to warm you up. Many of the booths offer home made cooking, compliments of local churches and scout groups.

The weather for this festival can be quite interesting. Remember, it's winter in Pennsylvania, which can bring you anything from single digits to mid-forties. Tromping around in mid-forty weather, you'll find yourself up to your ankles in mud....but not for long. There's plenty of sawdust around to fill in even the biggest mud holes.

The small town of Ridgway has made some big news. Several networks have taken an interest in the Chainsaw Rendezvous, and this year you just might spot the crew from ESPN meandering around.

If you love to poke around, meet new people, and learn something new, the Chainsaw Rendezvous is for you. Mark it on your calendar for next February, and find your way to Ridgway.