The National Timber and Outdoor Show - Nelsonville, OH

[BBTom]

Hocking College is hosting the NTOS (formerly Paul Bunyun Show).  According to thier web site The show will have alot more focus on the outdoors, with ATV and bicycle events.  This show takes place at the same time as the official Paul Bunyan show that is put on by the Ohio Forestry Association.

[Dale Hatfield]

    NELSONVILLE - Hocking College's campus continues as the
place to be the first full weekend in October.   The National Timber and
Outdoor Show October 6-8 takes the place of a former timber industry
show that was held here for more than three decades.  No admission
charge is our way of saying thank you to supporters who remain loyal
during this transition year.  Share this with friends, neighbors and
acquaintances!

       A new event commands a new location.  The National Timber
and Outdoor Show will be located in the area adjacent to Robbins
Crossing and spills over Hocking Parkway to the ball fields where
camping and parking were formerly located.  Camping moves to the former
show grounds where campers will have access to water and electric.

Familiar sights visitors can expect to find are chain saw carving, the
Hank Peters lumberjack water show, a demonstration of antique steam
equipment, craft tent, the horse log pull and obstacle course and Dave
the snake guy with things that slither.

Rocky Outdoor Gear and Husqvarna continue as show anchors with Rocky's
exhibit featuring not only Rocky gear for the outdoors but Nelsonville
mementos that are ideal for the upcoming holiday season.

Husqvarna is hosting Rip Tompkins, world champion tree climber, who
offers ArborMaster training activities like climbing, rigging and
felling demos.   Husky's champion chain saw carver Bud Emerson will
headline the show of carvers and Husqvarna also will sponsor Game of
Logging competitions at the collegiate level and for landowners. 

       A highlight of the show is the Extreme Ox Traxx Challenge,
the first ATV event of its kind in the country making its debut on
Saturday, Oct. 7.  Conceptualized by Fast Traxx Promotions, the event is
based on an enduro-course style race that depicts all aspects of a ride
through the forest - within the confines of a 150-foot by 250-foot course.

"It's the size of the course that makes it different," said Norm
Bickley, Fast Traxx owner.  "This is a race through a confined space
with obstacles such as log crossings, mud, sand and rocks.  It's on the
ragged edged of excitement, a race riders will find challenging.  The
race promises to keep those watching on the edge of their seats," said
Bickley.

Classes include youth, beginner, utility and professional.  The event
offers the largest pro-purse race in the area with $500 for utility and
$1,000 for professionals.

The ATV course will be open throughout the weekend for sponsor demos.   
Exhibitors will be set up in the adjacent area displaying ATV related
merchandise.

       "The important thing about the National Timber and Outdoor
Show is that it is a live event and people will not only see a great
race but have an opportunity to try out some of the equipment on hand,"
Bickley said.

Major sponsors for the Xtreme Ox Trax Challenge are Fast Traxx
Promotions, Wayne National Forest, Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, Hocking
College and AllPower Equipment.  AllPower donated a $4,400 Arctic Cat
ATV that will given away by Rocky.

Wayne National Forest, Ohio's only national forest, will have a major
presence at the show.  "Our goal is to promote safe ATV use in the
forests," said WNF Public Affairs Officer Phil Sammons.

The first ever Big Air Dog Show in the valley takes place in the parking
lot near Robbins Crossing.  Dogs leaping into the water after a decoy
are judged on the length of leap and practices and competitions are
scheduled throughout the weekend.  Rocky and the Athens County
Convention and Visitors Bureau are two of the Big Air Dog sponsors.

A 5k run/walk opens Saturday activities at 8 a.m.  Shirts to the first
50 entrants and prizes will be awarded to the top two finishers in each
category (to be determined) and the top overall male and female finisher.

The Nelsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Chamber
Challenge Bicycle Poker Run that begins at 11 a.m.  Participants should
register at the start point SEO parking lot behind Robbins Crossing.      

There will be mini-canoe trips, about 10-15 minutes in length, down the
Hocking River and offered by the Ohio Outback Conservation Corp.

Robbins Crossing will be up and running with activities throughout the
weekend and rides to the depot and back aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic
Railway caboose shuttle will be available on the half hour.  Tickets are
purchased at Robbins Crossing.

"Walk thru Time" is an exploration of history beginning with American
Indians and moving through the Minutemen era and on with two Brigades
from the Civil War - the Ohio Valley Brigade's First Light Artillery and
the 63rd Ohio Valley Infantry.   All activities are staged adjacent to
Robbins Crossing.

An important aspect of the Walk Thru Time chronology is the dedication
Donald R. Nunley Memorial Mine Museum on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2 p.m.

There is no admission charge for entrance into the National Timber and
Outdoor Show, "Our way of thanking loyal visitors who support Hocking
College and the area," said Roy Palmer, show director.

Entry into the ATV pit area/race is $8 and there tickets are available
for the "Elvis Tribute to the King Concert" with Dwight Icenhower and
the Elvis Originals, accompanied by D.J. Fontana, Presley's drummer for
15 years, an the Sweet Inspirations who were the King's back-up singers
of the 70s. The concert is Friday (Oct. 6) at 8 p.m. in the Student
Center.   Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 or $12, call the
Response Center, 7123.   ###

[Bibbyman]

Hey!!...Let's have those reports from those that went to the show. 

Where's the pictures?