After 2024’s inaugural Logger Fest, which honored one of the state’s oldest industries with three days of logging-themed activities, organizers plan to expand this year.
The festival, slated May 15 through May 17 in Fort Kent, will celebrate one of the state’s major industries with activities and competitions related to lumber, along with vendors, food trucks, live music and family activities.
The logging industry is particularly important to Maine, which is the most forested state in the nation. Nearly 90% of its land is forested, according to data from the World Population Review. The state’s economy and many of its local communities depend on a supply chain that begins in the woods, according to the Maine Forest Service.
The festival aims to bring people in the area together while shining a spotlight on an industry that helped build the region, Logger Fest Committee member Lana Voisine said.
“Logger Fest is a celebration of the region’s deep logging heritage and the hardworking men and women who make up the industry in northern Maine,” said logger fest committee member Lana Voisine, who also serves as Wallagrass Town Manager. “The event is designed to be family-friendly and give people a chance to experience the culture and skills that have shaped our communities for generations and generations to come.”
Events will range from timber-sport competitions, equipment demonstrations, wood-working events, and demonstrations from professional loggers. Downtown Fort Kent will also have a street celebration with music and games.
The festival is held every other year to accommodate Bangor’s Loggers’ Expo, which is held at the Cross Insurance Center on the opposite year. Like Logger Fest, the Bangor event features demonstrations and family-friendly activities in addition to industry networking opportunities.
It takes a large group of volunteers, sponsors, businesses and industry partners to make Logger Fest happen, said Voisine, who also serves as vice president of the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of people are involved behind the scenes, helping with logistics and promotion and bringing everything together.
Taking related industries like trucking, equipment operations and wood manufacturing into consideration, thousands of jobs northern Maine jobs are tied to forestry, Voisine said.
The logging industry isn’t just part of the region’s economy, but is deeply connected to its identity as well.
“I grew up in a logger family and I watched my father work in the woods, so I understand firsthand the pride and work ethic that comes with that life,” Voisine said. “Logger Fest is really about recognizing those men and women and celebrating an industry that continues to support our communities and shape our way of life.”
