Big pickups dragging trailers pulled into the parking lot of the Ronan fairgrounds and started unloading people, kids, and then toolboxes, an array of chainsaws, pop-up canopies, and a cooler or two. The chainsaw carvers were back in Ronan.

The Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous began with set up on June 11, then carving all day Friday and Saturday, with lunch and dinner breaks, culminating in an auction Sunday, June 14, in the afternoon.

With headphones on, all the carvers cracked out their arsenal of chainsaws, revved up their machines, and the sawdust started flying on Friday morning, as they crafted a variety of fanciful critters and scenes.

This year 15 carvers entered, although two had to cancel. They came from Washington, Idaho, Indiana, Utah and, of course, Montana.

Wooden bears of all sizes, otters, foxes, wildlife and underwater scenes, a Flathead Lake monster, a mountain lion, welcome signs, and even a girl riding a trout were lined up around the circle of carvers.

Professional chainsaw carver Alex Precob, originally from Romania, won first for his piece featuring herons. He carved another sculpture with a magpie and a kingfisher.

Second place went to Colby Herrington, from Bonny Lake, Wash.

Carver Nick Bielby won third place and captured the coveted People’s Choice award.

The Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous hosted the event. It’s a nonprofit “to help the kids and the local businesses,” according to Ronna Walchuk, a member of the group.

This year the Rendezvous has selected Jake’s Farm in the Dell and the Mission Valley FFA kids as beneficiaries.

Susan Lake and Walchuk were on the fairgrounds throughout the event, assisted by the Mission Valley FFA kids, “who came and really worked,” Lake said.

    Rachael Mirth of the Paradise Valley shapes a fisherwoman astride a trout during the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous in Ronan. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Carver uses a tiny file to touch up an area on a big cat during last weekend's chainsaw carving event in Ronan. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    A huge bear, looking very much like an actual bear, loiters near the entrance to a tent at the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous in Ronan.  (Berl Tiskus/Leader)