The city of Eupora is preparing for its first-ever Chainsaws and Arts Festival, set to take place August 9-12. The four-day event will include art, competition, and of course lots of fun for the entire family.
In its inaugural year, the Chainsaw and Arts Festival will enlist some of the most talented and masterful chainsaw carvers from around the state and country to create unique and creative designs using the chainsaw.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to view the exquisite artistry and talents of these exceptional artisans as they demonstrate the art of chainsaw carving. This event promises that guests will get the chance to observe “sublime works of art emerge from raw logs with the pass of a roaring chainsaw” much to the delight and fascination of spectators of all ages.
Eupora Mayor Blake McMullan credits Janet Cook of the Eupora Economic Development Team with helping to bring this original idea to life.
“The idea is all Janet’s, being from Colorado, and they have it in many towns there,” McMullan said. “It works well with Eupora, and it also fits where we are trying to create. We have been looking at mural walking trails, and now this will allow us that have a ‘selfie’ experience trail with our art in public places.”
Cook has helped to lead the economic development team since March 2022.
“Mayor McMullan wanted to have an event that showcases our community and local culture as well as promote tourism and bring our community together,” Cook said. “Logging being a major industry and bringing a chainsaw carving competition to the city of Eupora made for an excellent idea and event.”
The excitement surrounding this event has immense anticipation throughout the Golden Triangle and Delta regions. On top of watching the art in action, attendees will be given the chance to meet and chat with the carvers themselves. Plus, guests can even purchase a piece of this unique art to take home with them as a timeless memento.
“There has been tremendous support in our community in the form of sponsorships and community residents stepping up to volunteer for this 4-day event,” Cook said. “Lots of excitement has been generated both on social media, posted flyers and banners around town. Everyone is talking about the event!”
McMullan has equally been met with great reception and anticipation of this family-friendly event.
“I have gotten questions about it from as far away as Oxford, Mississippi,” McMullan said. “Since when has someone from Oxford, Mississippi, been interested in what is happening in Eupora, Mississippi? This is going to be something that people who grew up in Eupora and lived here their whole life get to experience firsthand. How cool is that?”
This very cool event is a free public event that everyone in the family will enjoy.
“Visitors can expect the only event of its kind in the state of Mississippi,” Cook said. “Chainsaw carvers are coming from around the nation and one as far away as the United Kingdom.”
The main attraction of the festival will be the live chainsaw carving as visitors will marvel at talented chainsaw artists as they transform 9-foot by 3-foot wide logs into stunning sculptures. There will be vendor booths where visitors can purchase chainsaw art directly from the chainsaw artists themselves.
Also, the festival will play host to the Mississippi State “Wood Magic Science Fair” Exhibit that will educate students about the tremendous importance of wood and wood products that influence our daily lives.
On Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12, there will be one-hour Quick Carve Competitions for the chainsaw carvers starting at 6 p.m. Following the competition, there will be an auction in which the public can bid and purchase any of the quick carve creations. On Saturday, the public can vote on first, second, and third-place prizes for the carver’s creations.
“Where else can you go for free and witness firsthand talented carvers going head to head, creating works of art right before your eyes!” Cook said. “If you’re ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in awe, then come witness the magic unfold as chainsaw artists transform massive logs into stunning sculptures using nothing but chainsaws. You’ll be amazed by the precision, speed, and creativity on display!”
For more information on the Eupora Chainsaws and Arts Fesitval, click here.
