BUZZ OF THE BLADES. The popular two-day competition returns to Eau Claire this August, welcoming carvers from across the globe.

Artists with unique tools of choice – chainsaws – from across the globe will land in our neck of the woods for the U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship slated for Aug. 2-4 at Carson Park. Not only will attendees witness sculptures emerge as the artists carve throughout the event, but they’ll have the chance to take one home during live auctions.

Eau Claire is host to the international championship every other year (see our photoset from 2022 online), and proceeds from the event going toward Chippewa Valley Museum programming. This year, guest carvers and competition carvers from Brazil, Canada, Japan, Scotland, Wales, and the United States will participate. Fans of A Cut Above, the Discovery Channel’s chainsaw competition TV show, may recognize some of the carvers: Jesse Toso and Ryan Villiers (Canada), competitors; Chris Wood (Wales) one of three finalists; and Sam Bowsher (Scotland) winning first prize.

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I NEVER KNEW HOW AWESTRUCK I WOULD BE BY CHAINSAW ART.

Then you attend the U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship and see this talented group of carvers. ... I always liked watching Tom Brady play football because he was the best player to play the game. These chainsaw artists are the Tom Bradys of their profession.

DUSTYN DUBUQUE

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

“This event is one-of-a-kind for this area. I never knew how awestruck I would be by chainsaw art,” Dustyn Dubuque, the museum’s development director, said in a recent media release. “Then you attend the U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship and see this talented group of carvers. … I always liked watching Tom Brady play football because he was the best player to play the game. These chainsaw artists are the Tom Bradys of their profession.”

Beyond the incredible feat of the carvers turning an eight-foot log pieces into stunning sculptures, there will also be a free-to-attend Pre-Chainsaw Party on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5-8pm, featuring dinner and music by local Jim Nelson. Live music will continue the following day with Andy Hanson performing at 8pm followed by Irie Sol at 9pm.

Family Day at the event is Saturday, Aug. 3, from noon-4pm with family-friendly activities going on throughout the afternoon including balloon sculptures, caricaturists, outdoor games with the Chippewa Valley Council Boy Scouts of America, and more.

Sunday, Aug. 4, from 10am-4pm, carvers will place their finishing touches before judging begins, followed by an award ceremony and auction.

From Friday-Sunday, folks can check out the food truck selection and bar, and the exhibit fair will be available throughout the weekend. There will bee free parking in the Carson Park lot with shuttles available to get you to the main event.

One-day general admission is $20 during the event, $12 early bird; event pass general admission is $25 during the event, $18 early bird. Kids ages 12 and under will get in free.

Visit the Chippewa Valley Museum’s website to learn more about the U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship and purchase tickets.