Logger Days festival returns to Libby

Seven years after it was last held and with a new name, the Lincoln County Logger Days festival is back.

Libby’s J. Neils Park will host it and the Rotary Club of the Kootenai Valley is running it.

The annual Logger Days event, which began in 1960 before stopping in 2019, will be held June 19-21. It is meant to honor the rich timber history and logging heritage of the region.

The Rotary Club of the Kootenai Valley has taken on the revival as a major fundraiser to support local community projects and scholarships for students in Libby and Troy. The club, guided by the motto “Service Above Self,” continues its strong tradition of giving back to the Kootenai Valley through service, education and community improvement.

“This revival is all about family, community, and tradition,” said McKenzie Williams, event organizer with the Rotary Club of the Kootenai Valley. “We’re bringing generations together to honor our timber heritage, create new memories, and strengthen the bonds that make Lincoln County special. It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend of fun for all ages.”

Some of the highlights of the weekend are the parade at 11 a.m. Saturday on Mineral Avenue in Libby, lumberjack shows by DLW TimberWorks of Wisconsin, the Bull and Bullette of the Woods competition, lawnmower races, food vendors, live music, kids zone, Jack and Jill races, logging competitions featuring local participants and the Lincoln County Logger Days Royalty Coronation.

The admission is $10 pre-sale, per person, or $15 at the gate. Kids 9 years of age and younger do not need a button for entry. The button serves as a three-day pass to all Logger Days festivities.

Buttons are available at Fix Coffee, Rocky Mountain Music, Farmers Insurance, The River Bend, Town & Country Property Management, the LOR Foundation, New To You, Kootenai Gift and Cohenour Trucking.

Organizers are actively seeking a few more vendors, volunteers and participants for the various events and competitions. Anyone interested in registering, helping out, or securing a vendor space is encouraged to contact McKenzie at 406-300-8896.

“On behalf of our entire team, we want to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors and volunteers who have already shown an incredible amount of support. This event would not be possible without your generosity, dedication, and commitment to both Lincoln County Logger Days and our amazing community,” McKenzie Williams said.

Logger Days tentative schedule

Friday, June 19

Noon – Gates Open – Kids Corner Opens

2 PM – Lumberjack Show

3 PM – Live Music (Open Mike or Karaoke)- History of Logging talk

4 PM – Lumberjack Show

5 PM - Live Music (Open Mike or Karaoke)- History of Logging talk

6 PM – Lumberjack Show

7 PM – CORONATION – Logger Days Royalty

9 PM – Live Band performance - JAY SNOW & THE TONE KEEPERS

9 PM – Kids Corner Closes

Midnight  – Beer Garden Closes

Saturday, June 20

8 AM – Spring Up Libby 5K Logger Run   - Start at Memorial Center

8 AM – American Legion Post 97 & Ladies Auxiliary Unit 97 – Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast

9 AM – 10 AM – Breakfast – Nights of Columbus at 101 E. Lincoln Blvd.

10 AM – J Neils Gates Open - Parade lineup

10 AM – Early Bird Lumberjack Show

11 AM – Parade begins

Noon – Lumberjack Show

12:30 – 1:30 PM Live Music (Open Mike or Karaoke) - History of Logging talk

1:30 PM – Lumberjack Show

2:30 - 3:30 PM - Live Music (Open Mike or Karaoke)- History of Logging talk

4:30 PM – Lumberjack Show

5 PM - Live Music (Open Mike or Karaoke)- History of Logging talk

6 PM – Bull & Bulette of the Woods

7 PM - Lawnmower Races

9 PM – Kids Corner Closes

Evening Entertainment – Never to Old to Be Famous

Sunday – June 21

Sunday Fun Day in the Park

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - CARD Clinic Kids Rally

10:30 AM – 11: 30 AM - Live Logging Demo

12 – 12:30 – Saw Dust dig – three age groups 1-3, 4-7, 8-12 sponsored by Lincoln County SnoKat Club

12:30 – 2 PM – Family Races and Logging events begin

2 PM – 3 PM - Live Logging Demo 

3 PM - J. Neils Lost Loot Treasure Hunt along J. Neils walkway