Ridgeway Carvers Rendezvous

[dervishcarving]

Every year in the small town of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, they host a chainsaw carving event. just a small one... this year there were 217 or so carvers. Takes over the whole town. After saying 'no, its too dam cold that time of year' I finally went. and yes, it was DAM cold at times (-10 or so for a couple of days with snow and 30+mph winds) but I had a blast.

I finally got to carve a piece that has been stuck in my head for a few years, a memorial to the 343 firefighters who died when the twin towers were attacked. 6 days or so work (but it was so cold I wasnt working all the time)

Firefighter at one end (from a photograph i saw after the collapse), his equipment at the other end and then Cinders, the firehouse mascot (apparently they always have dalmatians) underneath. Cinders was a last minute addition and wasnt great but i was pretty happy with the rest

As internationals the local Husky rep loaned us saws... brand new, still in the box, 550XPs... now thats what i call a loaner saw!

Last photo is me (left) and Gary Shand (right) who carved a great Wizard and with whom i had a fantastic time. Roll on next time

[stuckinthemud]

Awesome carving, really like that. I've been working my way through the seminar talks they've posted on YouTube, definitely worth a watch if you ever get a spare hour or two

[delabodge]

Love it❤

[Ianw6522]

Outstanding tribute Dave, I have retired from the fire service after 30 yrs and fully understand how the carving will be received by all who view it, with total respect for such a reflective memorial piece.

[skyhuck]

Brilliant!!

[dervishcarving]

Thanks peeps. It was a very personal piece for me and i didnt want to just go for a commercial piece. Sometimes you just gots to carve something that's in yer head, if you know what i mean. The seminars were on most days but I only managed to get to listen to the ones on the last day as I was too busy until then. Thor's seminar was great fun and an interesting contrast to Bob's one