Since 1992
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By Liz Pimentel
RANGELEY — The Maine Forestry Museum was the scene of foot-stompin’ fun July 28, as the 33rd annual Little Miss and Little Mr. Wood Chip contest literally got off the ground. The reigning Miss Wood Chip, Nora Close, was present to hand over her crown and title to the new Little Miss Wood Chip, eight-year-old Lyla Crump. Jackson Medoff, Little Mr. Wood Chip 2015, was on hand to present the title to seven-year-old Tristram Woodman. Lyla recited and performed the poem “The Goops,” by Gillette Burgess, and Tristram sang a song he wrote lyrics to — “Minerva and Ash” — to the tune of “On Top of Old Smokey.” First runner-up, Kevin Sweeney, who had just turned seven a few days earlier, sang “Grand Old Flag.”
The foot stomping and hand clapping got started with Blue Grass music and folk tunes provided by the Pulled Together Band, featuring Katie Tressler, Mike Frisch, Mike Schrader and his daughter Sarah. After the contest, Triple C Dance Team — a clogging group from Skowhegan — delighted the crowd with an electrifying performance. They were invited to perform their fancy foot work in order to keep clogging an integral part of the event — a tradition started by Rodney Richard, founder of the original Logging Museum. As Richard also arranged Blue Grass music for entertainment, everyone was thrilled to have the Pulled Together Band return to provide the music while the audience joined in the singing.
The celebration continued with a traditional Wood Chip Contest activity — begun by Lucille Richard in 1985 — the partaking of cake, lemonade and iced-tea, which rounded off an evening of good down-home fun!
The following day during the Logging Parade, a variety of floats showcased the cloggers and both past and current winners of the Wood Chip contest. The cloggers and band then performed at the Logging Festival, where the Wood Chips made an appearance as well.
PHOTO:
Triple C Dance Team performs in the Logging Parade July 29. (Liz Pimentel photo.)
