Logging Festival 2025

Description

 River Country Chamber's Annual Logging Festival 

Dive into the downtown Newaygo for the event of the year—Logging Fest! Sponsored by Elder’s Forest Products, this epic celebration has been the town's crown jewel for over 70 years and is only getting better with age. 

Why You Can’t Miss It:

 LumberJack & LumberJill Showdowns:
Elder's Forest Products Professional Lumberjack Competition:
Watch in awe as professional lumberjacks and lumberjills compete in several events. From two man saw to axe-throwing, these skilled competitors bring their A-game to the park. Cheer them on as they battle it out for top honors and show off their timber-taming talents!
Magna Mirrors Amateur Lumberjack Competition: 
Take your chance to see if you have what it takes! All equipment provided. Must be 18 or older. $10/event or all 3 for $25. (Chainsaw, axe throw, 2 man cross cut) Registration 8/31 at 9am. Competition begins at 10am. 
NEW! Lumberjack and Logging Museum featuring a Lumberjack Encampment which is filled with interactive educators dressed in the outfit of The Lumberjacks who will share the history and details of the items Lumberjack camps from the 1800's! Check out more on their Facebook page.

Sidewalk Sales: 
Thursday - Sunday! Check out downtown to see what sales you can snag! Visit our established local merchants throughout the city for tent and sidewalk sales that showcase all sorts of sale items from clothing to books to hand crafted gifts. You don't want to miss these deals!

 Food Truck Frenzy: Savor delicious bites from an array of food trucks offering everything from mouth-watering BBQ to gourmet snacks and sweet treats. Your taste buds are in for a wild ride!

 Vendor Village: Stroll through our bustling vendor area to find one-of-a-kind crafts, unique souvenirs, and handmade treasures. Discover something special to take home and support local artisans in the process!

 Parade: "Red, White & Blue-Waygo!"  Don’t miss the grand parade on Sunday featuring vintage logging equipment, local floats, and a sprinkle of hometown charm. It’s a tribute to the rich history and vibrant community spirit that makes River Country so special.

So grab your flannel shirts, dust off your favorite boots, and head to Newaygo for a weekend of unforgettable fun at Logging Festival. We can’t wait to celebrate our logging heritage and make new memories with you!

Join us for a tree-mendously good time! 

Logging Festival Schedule

FAQ:
Public Parking:
Behind The Stream, behind Heritage Museum to Parsley's, marked spaces along M-37, the school parking lots (take the stairs down), around Brooks Park. Please be patient and use crosswalks. Do not block driveways. 
Sunday - Portions of M-37, Quarterline and Justice are closed for the parade. Parking will be not be allowed in marked areas to keep the parade route safe. Do not park in the church lots during church times. 
Pets:
Well behaved pets are permitted, but must be leashed and with a human at all times. Must pick up after them and dispose in trash receptacle. Check the Chamber Booth for a water station. 
Parent Station: 
We've got you covered! We have an enclosed booth for privacy to use as needed.  Whether you need to change or feed your child, you're welcome to use. Located next to the Stage. 
Security:
We are fortunate to have Newaygo Police Department and Reserve Officers throughout the area. Make sure to stop and say Hello so kiddos can get a badge! A First Aid kit will be at the chamber booth by the stage. 
Where can we stay nearby? We have a full list of lodging members here!