Logging expo returns to Escanaba

ESCANABA -- As in years past, once again Escanaba will be hosting the annual Great Lakes Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds this Thursday through Saturday.

The annual show, now in its 72nd year, draws exhibitors from around the nation, and even globally, who showcase their products and services at the event which is known as the Midwest's largest forestry and equipment expo.

"At the Logging Expo, everybody gets to see the latest and greatest equipment and has a chance to catch up with others in the forestry industry," explained Max Ericson, president of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA), which presents the annual Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo at alternating locations between Escanaba and a Wisconsin venue.

Last year's event was held at the Sunnyview Expo Center, the site of the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, in Oshkosh.

Thousands of people attend the GLTPA Logging Expo each year, including those employed full-time or part-time in the forestry and trucking industries, as well as members of the general public who also want to take advantage of deals offered by many of the exhibitors this time of year, said Ericson.

Others visiting the show are interested in viewing the various equipment including wood stoves, chainsaws, dozers, harvesters, forwarders, and semi trucks, he said.

Financial agencies, insurance companies, forest-related associations, and others supporting the timber industry also set up booths at the annual show.

Approximately 300 companies, manning more than 350 booths, are participating in this year's Logging Expo in Escanaba, said Heather Zimmer, GLTPA event coordinator. The tally includes a couple dozen new companies attending this year, she added.

"Each year, the Logging Expo brings the forestry community together," said Zimmer. "This is a chance to kick back and talk to others, network, and build relationships."

Ericson agrees, adding, "I look forward to the people each year and getting back in touch with others."

Ericson said he especially enjoys talking with the old timers and watching the youth climb in the driver's seats of equipment showcased each year. Hopefully, the youth will consider a career in the forestry industry, he added.

Various children's events are being planned for the Logging Expo, said Zimmer. In addition to hands-on activities offered at some of the exhibitor booths, the GLTPA will be sponsoring fun activities for children, she said.

Everyone is encouraged to visit the show and see what the exhibitors and vendors have to offer, said Ericson, who was appointed to the two-year GLTPA presidency in December. He and his wife, Sandy, along with their four children, own and operate Ericson Logging Inc. and Ericson Trucking LLC in Minong, Wis.

Registration for this year's Logging Expo begins at noon on Thursday on the fairgrounds property where exhibits can be viewed until 5 p.m.

As in past years, the Logging Expo also includes a Kick-off Celebration dinner Thursday evening. This year's banquet will be held in the Miracle of Life Building at the fairgrounds.

The schedule for Friday begins with registration at 8 a.m. when the various indoor and outdoor exhibits open. Friday's events and vendors close for the day at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, registration and exhibits open at 8 a.m. with the expo closing at 1 p.m.

Annual contests at this year's Logging Expo will include the ladies bowling pin throw and the tug-o-war rivalry between Michigan and Wisconsin teams -- which typically includes willing volunteers who gather just prior to the contest. Both events are scheduled for Friday.

Those attending the expo can compete in or watch the skidder and loader competitions, said Ericson, noting specific equipment used in the contests may be different than what each logger is used to, adding an extra challenge to the event.

"It's always a great time. Everybody goes just to have bragging rights," commented Ericson.

In addition to being named the best in their field, winners also receive trophies and cash prizes.

This year's Loader Championship is sponsored by Barko Hydraulics, which will run a different contest format this year using a log cabin design rather than the checkerboard design used by Caterpillar in the past, said Zimmer.

The Great Lakes Forwarder Operator Challenge is sponsored by GLTPA, Komatsu Forest, and Roland Machinery.

The 2016 loader championship was won by Russell Meyer of Wausaukee, Wis., while last year's forwarder championship was won by Gerald Dugree Jr. of Norway, Mich., who went on to compete in an international contest in Sweden this past June.

The major sponsor of this year's Logging Expo is Fabick Cat. In addition to Barko and Roland Machinery/Komatsu being sponsors, others include Ponsse, Nortrax Equipment, Pioneer Equipment, Forest Insurance Center/Mauck Insurance Agency/Loggers Insurance Agency, Mid-States Equipment, Menominee Industrial Supply, Woodland Equipment, Midway Rentals & Sales, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, and Laona Machine Supply.

Attendance to the Logging Expo is free for GLTPA members and children under 18 while a fee covers all three days for non-member adults. There is also a fee for parking.

For more information about the 2017 Logging Expo, call GLTPA at (715) 282-5828 or (906) 789-1501 or visit www.gltpa.org/expo.

-- -- --

Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net