To everyone who made this event a success: thank you! As most of you know, this event started as an idea in the chatroom. We had 4 months to plan it. I don't feel that we put on the best event we're capable of by far, but I think we did alright with our limitations. Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves, which was the point. It really was awesome being able to get together to talk, laugh, and learn! We would first and foremost like to thank all of the carvers:
Randy and Renee Rinsch, Dick Tilley, Brian Willis, John Williams, Sherri McCloskey, Brian Christman, Elmer Hickey, Doug Ricks, Bob Taylor, Jon Mykannen, Sheri Kieffner, Ed Clemens, Roark Phillips, Amy Feil, Chap Nelson, Sharon Hillman, Steve Pearson, Lee and Jennifer Smet, Kenny Bowers, Myles Nasby, and Rick Nasby. Thanks for taking a chance on a new event, pitching in where needed, not complaining about the things that went wrong (there were plenty), and mostly for being who you are: family.
We would like to thank the support crew:
Jamie Hillman, Lou Feil, John Pearson, Christine Neighbors, and Deanna Libecap. Without you jumping in feet first, we could not have done this.
We would like to thank a couple of our sponsors:
Chainsawsculptors.com, Carvingpost, Ahlborn Equipment, Echo, Stihl, and Kramer Land Clearing. These are just a few, but they gave the most ... thanks for supporting our event!
As you know, we had three saws given away at the end of our event and they went to:
Doug Ricks, MS 211 ~ Highest auction sales
Rick Nasby, CS 310 ~ People's Choice
and
Kenny Bowers, CS 310 ~ Carver's Choice
We also gave away $20 Saburr gift certificates to:
Brian Willis, Sharon Hillman, Bob Taylor, Randy & Renee Rinsch, and Sheri Kieffner for helping us make this happen above and beyond what we hoped for.
Chaz and I are thrilled to have been given the chance to meet all of these talented carvers and we really enjoyed the socialization at the end of the days! Our home is open to any of you who happen to be in the area, come on over! We will definitely have Chazfest again next year ... we'll start planning that one very soon! Hope to see our carvers return and bring their friends ... also hope the ones who couldn't make it will be able to be there next year. Again, thanks to everyone for an amazing weekend!


Desiree
http://www.sawdustparadise.com/

We had a great time! What a terrific event despite the weather. Organizers and fellow carvers were all top notch.Hope to see you all soon,definetly at Chazfest '10.

Chap

My brother and I had a great time. You guys did a great job, always there for the carvers helping us with every little thing. The campfires were fun, the food was great, loved the slabs and I can't wait to come back next year! First day back and I get a request for a quote on 3' dia oak carving! Hope the orders keep coming in for you guys. Oh and don't forget to send me my commission for referring that guy who wants a turkey!lol!

I will have to plan on it next year. but on the bright side I did become a great aunt over the weekend! Mom and Lil Dude are doing just great!

You...Chaz and Dezi are the best, bar none.

Lub ya!
Bob

Thanks for having me and helping Myles, and all the good food, Sherri's pulled pork Barbeque was awesome. Sharon from Mont.'s husband Jamie is the best skidsteer operator I've seen handle logs.
I had a ball with the carvers, cant say enough, so I may as well stop...Lou Feil..what a breakfast cook, cool guy. Hey, Big John, I did a cabin and trees today, thanks for the inspiration. Learned a few tricks from Dick. Gonna do a bench like Dougs. I'll try to be as nice as Kenny (fat chance)
And Desi was the highlight of the whole thing..Darling Lady. Thanks Guys, Rick

Outstanding !!! Chaz and Dez, you guys rock. I had such a great time. All the carvers and support people were top notch. Can't wait to do it again.

Also, if anyone who was at Chazfest wants a dvd copy of the video footage it's on me. Just send your address to bchristman@roadrunner.com. Just a way for me to say thank you to everyone.

Brian C.

Words can't describe the feelings I have!!!!! To be in one place with so many awesome people is unreal!!! Can we do a rewind????? Pretty please!!!! haha really thanks for making me feel so at home!!!! I really had the best time!!! Can't wait to do it again!!!! Ohh really next week looks GREAT!!! lol!!! Thanks Rick and sorry ur beans were cold!!! All jokes aside I made some bonds that will last a life time!! So Thanks to everyone!!!! luv yas all Sherri~~~~~~~~~

It cant be said better then above.
You two did a fantastic job for your first event.
Plenty of logs of all sizes.
A lot of gifts for the carvers.
Some great cooking and hot camp fires even if we did get rained on.
I like to think I made some good friends that will last a life time.
And oh my god your moms zucchini bread was to die for. Nancy and I just got done fighting over the last crumb from the loaf your mom gave me. Cant wait till next year.

Also want to thank everyone that lent me this and that. Brian, Elmer, Steve, and the rest, thanks. Next time I'll be bringing everything including the sink.
And thanks Roark for breakfast, I got up to go to the rest room and when I returned he paid the tab. I'll get it the next time.
DougR

Time Just flew by when it finally got here...The bonds I made are for a lifetime. New friends that I made will be with me forever. Everyone hopped up and kept the wet weather dry by the attitudes displayed. Did it really rain?? was there really mud?? hmmmm hardly noticed..I thank everyone for such a wonderful time...From wed night, thru all the sawdust fights, the wet weather to the closing bell The entire event will be special in my heart...Chaz /Dez...and everyone...thanks you..I even lost clothes somewhere along the way but I couldnt be happier..Looking forward to the next one..sign me up Im there and hopefully everyone else will be there too. Cant wait to see ya all again...
Brian

The friendship and comeradery was superb, a most excellent adventure.

My face is still aching from smiling, old and new friends, lets do it again next year!

dick

Who said "it just don't get any better than this"?
Well it doesn't. Outstanding people, great food, fun and
oh yah carving! It will be something I look forward to for the
nest year! Thanks for all your hard work, you two are the greatest!
Love ya S

`NO THANK YOU DEZ CHAZ AND FAMILY YOU ALL WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND

I too will look forward to next year and the "Family Reunion" that will take place. WOW!!!!!!!What a time I had......It is not often, as a matter of fact, only at events like this that I get to carve next to and around people with such great talent and personality and above all, just great people. To share ideas, tips, tricks ( bear meat, Thanks Marie ) and the fire....a little hard to start at times but plenty of wood when it was going strong.
Doug, Ill take you up on that breakfast....I hope they have grits, lol. Jon....You have a unique style, one that people will like. Just remember me when you make the first mill.

I love them grits Roark. I buy um in Wal-Mart and have some at least once a week for breakfast.
You'll have to wait till I come down for those grits, ya cant get um up here in the restaurant.