Logger Days grew out of earlier
festivals held in Libby. Starting in 1931, loggers
and mill workers competed in events held annually
during Labor Day. Competitions held in Pioneer Park
were observed by the entire town that brought picnic
lunches to watch the men competing for cash prizes
and year-long bragging rights. In 1955 Libby and
Bonners Ferry in Idaho started celebrating Kootenai
River Days. Celebrations held in each town were
organized with the main event being a raft race held
over two days. Competitors would be timed as they
raced from Warland to Libby and from Troy to Bonners
Ferry on day two.
In 1960, the local chapter of
Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) organized
Libby’s first Logger Days. This event still had
logging competitions, it kept the popular raft race
though changing it to one day only, and added a
parade and carnival of amusement rides for
children. Widely popular, Logger Days has remained
Libby’s most popular community celebration. Even
during times of economic change and decline, Libby
still identifies itself with its logging industry
and heritage.
Education of Libby’s residents
and visitors takes place during Logger Days.
Logging companies display and demonstrate machinery
and techniques. Information booths set up by
corporate forest owners and the United States Forest
Service inform visitors on the role forests play in
our society. Mill and lands tours historically were
held for people wanting to learn more about forestry
and wood products manufacturing.
In these contemporary times of
changing land and resource values, celebrations like
Logger Days are important for keeping focus on the
land surrounding Libby and it’s effect on the local
economy. Without this annual festival, awareness
and knowledge for residents and locals alike would
diminish and, over time, fade away. |
