Lumberjacks At Lakefront Park
Qualifying For National Contest
COOPERSTOWN – Before 150 spectators in Lakefront Park and against a stunning backdrop of sunny Otsego Lake, Cooperstown’s first Stihl Pro & Collegiate Lumberjack Legacy Invitational northeast qualifier is underway until 5 p.m. today and 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The local event was devised by Nathan and Holly Waterfield of Cherry Valley, who have been competing in lumberjack competitions since their undergraduate days at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is originally from the Warren, Pa., area, she from Cherry Valley, where the couple lives now.
Nathan competed today — his uncle, Wayne Rubright of Sheffield, Pa., brought in a crew yesterday to build the stage — and other local favorites included Devin Merkley of West Winfield, who works for the Clark Foundation.
Local sponsors include the Cooperstown Distillery and Wightman Lumber, Portlandville. The event is free to spectators.