Timber Days celebrates community's heritage

PRIEST RIVER — Much like in days gone, the timber industry is a huge part of the community's economy and its identity.

To celebrate Priest River's timber heritage, each year the community hosts Timber Days — an event paying homage to the area's timber traditions, heritage and industry.

On Friday, July 24, the annual Asphalt Angel's Hot Neon Nights car cruise, will run from 7-10 p.m. in the downtown area. Registration begins at 6 p.m. at the Priest River post office. 

On Saturday, July 25, the annual car show will be held at Priest River Junior High School. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the show running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the junior high.

This year's Timber Days celebration will be held Saturday, July 25, kicking off with the Spartan Booster Club's annual huckleberry pancake feed. Held downtown from 7-10 a.m., the annual feast can be found between AJ's Cafe and Popeye's in the area of High and Main streets.

The cost is $10 and proceeds benefit the club to help with player fees, senior night, award cakes, awards, team needs and more.

Following the breakfast is the annual Run for the Berries community fun run, which features a 5K and 10K iteration as well as a special kids race for the younger crowd. Same-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. at 616 High St.

The 5K and 10K will start at 8 a.m. and the kids race will begin at 8:15 a.m. Awards for the top three finishers in each age group will be handed out during a ceremony at the park's gazebo following the race at  10 a.m. Competitors can also treat themselves to a huckleberry pancake breakfast after the event.

Proceeds from the race benefit Priest River Lamanna High School running programs.

Following the run, the Priest River Timber Days parade takes center stage with everything from floats, bands, classic rides and timber trucks making their way through town on Main Street.

Among this year's categories for the 2026 Timber Days parade are non-profit organization, logging truck, logging equipment, classic car, business, and open. All vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver.

Sam Wiley, selected as the 2026 Bull of the Woods, will be honored during the parade as well as during the timber competition held following the parade at Bonner Park West.

"He always helps out with the chamber and the community, delivering log loads and stuff when we need him to," said Tiffiny Simpkins, of the Priest River Chamber of Commerce. "It really wasn't a hard choice because he's been in the community so long and always helps out with the community. He's just great all around."

This year's Bull of the Woods joins a list of storied loggers in the community selected because of their extraordinary character and dedication to the 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, and Todd and Dean Douglas.

Adding a twist to this year's timber competition will be the addition of teams, with all loggers taking part placed on one of six teams, Simpkins said.

Horse entries must include proof of insurance with every form and candy must be handed out once entries reach the city park.

Also taking place during the celebration will be a variety of vendors and food booths at Bonner Park West from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

With Timber Days activity, the boat launch at Bonner Park West will be closed. However, boat launches at Albeni Cove and Riley Creek will be open.

For more information, vendor forms, and application links, visit the Priest River Chamber’s Timber Days page at visitpriestriver.com or by calling the chamber at 208‑448‑2721.

    A logger cuts the end off of a log as he races to finish with the fastest time during a past Timber Days logging competition.
  

    Loggers test their skills at a Timber Days logging competition.