Companies from across the United States will show off the latest in logging, harvesting and transportation equipment and related services when the 2006 Forest Family Fun Day & Equipment Show kicks off at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at the Angelina County Exposition Center, 1200 Ellen Trout Drive, Lufkin, Texas.

Thousands of dollars will be awarded in contests that include log loading, skidder driving, best-looking log truck, truck driving, and a chainsaw competition.

Food booths will be open all day, and events for children will be ongoing.

A benefit log auction is scheduled with proceeds going to the Lufkin State School Wheelchair Fabrication Department, the East Texas Angel Network, and the Texas Forestry Association Educational Fund. The Fun Day is held every two years, and in 2004 the auction drew more than $35,000 for the benefit of charitable organizations. Participants won't want to leave before the day ends because they must be present to win drawings for door prizes and the grand prize of a John Deere 4-wheeler.

Organizers say the Fun Day is not just for loggers, but for everyone in the forestry community and anyone interested in outdoor entertainment and fun. Admission is free.

The event will qualify for up to six continuing education hours for professional loggers who check in upon arrival.

For more information about exhibiting, competing or attending, call the Texas Forestry Association at 1-936-632-8733. \par }{\plain The event is produced by the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Logging Council.

Contests and Events

Entry Fee: $10 per category
* Skidder Mud Races: Choice of four different skidders. Prize money awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and an overall "Bull of the Woods" prize of $500.
* Driver Skills: Prize money awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Truck is provided.
* Log Loader: Prize money is awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and an overall "Bull of the Woods" prize of $500. Choice of four different loaders.
* Chainsaw Skills: Prizes for 1st-4th place. Chainsaw, safety gear provided.
* Drive to Tree: Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
* Best-Looking Log Truck (tractor only): Prize money includes $700 for 1st place; $500 for 2nd place, and $300 for 3rd place. This is a "People's Choice" award; no DOT judging.

Schedule of Events
8 a.m.-- Opens to the public
Trucks for Log Auction and Best Looking Log Truck competition must be in place
Contest registration opens
Contests begin
* Skidder Mud Races
* Driver Skills
* Log Loading
* Chainsaw Skills
* Drive to Tree
* Best-Looking Log Truck voting

9 a.m-3 p.m.
Portable sawmill demonstrations begin
Landowner activities/workshops
Youth activities
Food booths open

10 a.m.-noon
KYKS 105.1 Live Remote

11 a.m.
Contest registration closes

12:30 p.m.
Contests end
Log Auction

1:30 p.m.
Contest runoffs

3 p.m.
Present contest winners and prizes
Recognize Texas Logging Council Logger of the Year
Drawings for door prizes (must be present to win).

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