Courtesy photo Professional logrolling competition is returning to Gladstone The US Log Rolling Open will be held in Van Cleve Park during the city’s 4th of July celebration.

GLADSTONE — Officials with the US Log Rolling Open announced one of pro logrolling’s top events is returning to the area for a third year. The event, which carries a purse of $5,000, will return to Gladstone on July 4, and take place once again at the annual 4th of July celebration in Van Cleve Park.

Several of the top pros on the circuit are scheduled to compete this year, including the 2019 world champions Anthony Polentini of Hartland, Wis., and Livi Pappadopoulos, of Holmen, Wis. Other top competitors include: 2019 US Log Rolling Open and World Champion Tanner Hallett, and former Women’s World Champions Shana Verstegen and Ellie Davenport.

Once again, the US Log Rolling Open will be co-directed by nine-time log rolling champion and Michigan native Dan McDonough. McDonough, who grew up in Escanaba, is part of a rich history of log rolling in Northern Michigan, organizers said. 1926 World Champion Billy Gerard hailed from Gladstone, and several area natives also grew up in the area, such as five time women’s champion Mary Jean Malott, and 1981 champ Fred Sayklly. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Gladstone hosted several pro log rolling events, including the 1999 World Championships.