PRIEST RIVER — One hand on the log, the other on their chainsaw, waiting for the whistle.

Then, with a burst of speed at its sound, the loggers raced both the clock and a competitor as they sped down the log's length and with a spin, up onto the log set at an angle. Balancing, they rushed to the end, fired up the chainsaw and cut off a small cookie before again carefully spinning and rushing back down the log.

Like the rest of the events at Saturday's Timber Days logging competition, the competitors drew cheers and applause as each logger tested their skills in everything from climbing events, ax throwing, and logging events, closely matching the skills needed to work in the woods.

Local youth also got a chance to test their skills, operating excavators, loaders and skidders under the careful supervisor of timber industry volunteers at the nearby Little Loggers area.

The annual timber competition followed a parade featuring local organizers, area students and athletes, local businesses, timber industry representatives and companies and more.

The community's annual Timber Days celebration both pays homage to Priest River's history but also to its present and future.

"From thrilling logging competitions and the car and truck show, to a lively parade, live music, vendors, kids activities, and so much more — it's the ultimate weekend to celebrate our timbered traditions in Priest River," Priest River Chamber of Commerce officials posted on its social media pages.

Selected as this year's Bull of the Woods are the Howard brothers.

This honor pays tribute to the community's loggers with a longtime logger or someone who has worked in the timber industry selected to honor their contributions to the community and timber industry. Those selected for the honor have included those who have worked in logging, forestry, truck driving, or in one of the area's lumber mills.

Past Bulls of the Woods include: Earl Fiedler, Ivan Rock, Gene Robinson, Barney Stone, Kenny Bretthauer, Teddy Naccarato, Jim Bews, Don Pettit, Jack Fuher, Jim Linton, Floyd Wylie, Lloyd and Laurence Reynolds, Reuben Akre, Cecil Wylie, Ron Nelson, Ted Monk, Buck Merritt, Jim Lake, Roy Cliff, Clint Hutchins, Billy Follmer, Norm Peterson, Ray Harold, Darrel Wear, Mike Reynolds, Jeff Connolly, Mike Naccarato, Doug Cook, Curly Davaz and Bobby Bombino, Shorty Graham, Rick Pettit, Steve Gregory, Todd and Dean Douglas, and Cliff Ackerman.

Timber Days has seen a number of changes since its early years as a log drive on the Priest River, culminating in celebration at the Mudhole.

According to Priest River history on the city’s website, the log drive was held from 1901 through 1949. The log drive paved the way for the annual Logging Celebration, which lasted until 1980 before giving way to what is now Timber Days, held on the last Saturday of July each year in downtown Priest River.

Timber Days is a long-standing tradition in the Priest River community that celebrates rich history and accomplishments within the timber industry. Through innovation of the city’s first sawmill in 1897, lumber became a valuable commodity in Priest River and served as a basis of their economy.

    Loggers test their skills at a Timber Days logging competition.
  

    Parade-goers watch as logging equipment and heavy equipment makes its way down High Street during the annual Timber Days parade on Saturday.
  

    A Priest River area resident lets an ax fly as he competes in the Timber Days ax throwing competition on Saturday.
  

    Area youth wave and attempt to get log truck drivers to sound their horns during Saturday's annual Priest River Timber Days parade.