It is nice having so many up and coming young carvers taking part in the events. They are certainly getting good fast. Colby Herrington who is only 16 took 5th place in Semi-pro with a couple of nice goats, I bet he moves into the pro division this year as well.

Cindy,A couple of curiousity questions for you. From what I understand,this was the first year the Chamber took over on the Reedsport event. In retrospect how did it go? I'm assuming you and Bob still had to walk them through a lot of the many facets of holding such a competition. Was it easier on you and your family, stress-wise and time wise? On an ease of management level,what would you feel would be the ideal amount of carvers?I'm under the impression that a Chetwyn? type senario is ideal,where you have a set number of carving spots, with a waiting/backup list to fall back on.Do,or did you have a lot of no-shows over the years?-ken

Ken, Yes, we sold the show to the Chamber of Commerce at the end of last year. I tried to make sure that they would have everything that they would need to run the show as it had been run in the past. This year Bob and I only handled the international carvers and plan to work with the Chamber to make some improvements in saw and tool kits for them next year. It was certainly a lot easier on the family. No one realizes how much time a show takes. I was in charge of the sponsorships and that would start in Sept/Oct the year before. If I didn't get started on it early, places like WalMart would have already given away their money for the next year. Last year was very stressful for me. Bob quit coordinating 3-4 years ago...so the only stress he had was listening to me..lol I think our daughter Tiffany missed being involved. She has always sang the National Anthem and it was sad not hearing her voice.

July 10-12 I am organizing a small 12 carver event. It is a breeze, but then I have not had to go after sponsors. I am working with the Mayor and another volunteer and it has actually been a lot of fun.

I could almost count like clock work that 10% of the carvers signed up would not show up in Reedsport. I was always Okay with this, because I know that family has to come first and so does making a living. I had people that would be willing to pass up something better because they were committed to the show...I always told them to do what made the most money and paid the bills. Not all coordinators feel this way, I was at an advantage because I planned for 10% not to come anyway. On the other hand, with the small 12 man event it would be frustrating to have a no show because we have had to buy an expensive piece of wood for them. Although I am sure Bob wouldn't mind taking a nice big piece of cedar home with him....~smile~

Big show vs small show

Big show
-So many people you can't spend quality time with everyone.
+you meet lots of people all at once.
-the market becomes flooded with carvings and auction prices are usually low overall.
+Sponsors like to hear big numbers, so it makes getting money easier.
-we provide meals for all the carvers and families, the more people the more money it costs.
-Keeping track of everyones requests is overwhelming at times

Small show
+you make long term frindships, going away feeling like you will keep in touch.
+easier to get wood for
+easier to feed everyone
+You don't need as much space to set up, you can spread the carvers out a bit.
-You have to prove to potential sponsors that you will have large attendance records.


I am sure there is a lot more on the subject. I loved running Reedsport, I love to plan things and see them implemented. I also realized that we were having to depend to much on other people when the show was so far away. I love having a show 10 minutes from our house. We can have regular meetings to make sure we are all on the same page.

I feel that the transition could not have gone better. I wish that all show coordinators were treated as well as we were. Thank you for asking.

Dam Cindy ! I feel bad I think I might of been part of your 10 percent in 04 are you doing the white river thing ? In July. I grew up in that area and heard they where doing a contest.Shame I didn't hear about it sooner I would of wanted in on that one. Grandparents live 20 minutes away.


Still thinking about doing some type of show, I don't think a comp a 'show" . Thanks for the priceless info you gave me in the past.