Despite rainy conditions on Sunday, a crowd of onlookers gathered at Frank James Park as awards were handed out for the 22nd annual Transformations on the Shore chainsaw carving competition.
Junior Henderson took the top spot in the professional category along with the Carver’s Choice Award for his piece, entitled Hungry for Wealth.
Henderson thanked his fellow carvers for the honour, saying the award meant “more than anything, even more than first place.”
In the semi-professional category, Matthew Knee won the first-place award for his carving, called Bob.
Among amateur carvers, Tori Sewid’s piece, Day and Night, won the top prize for a piece representing the sun and the moon. And the People’s Choice Award went to Cody Lafrance for his piece, called Charming, a massive serpent. He was visibly moved by the honour.
“It’s for the people, this event,” said Lafrance as he accepted the award. “And it means more to me than you even know.”
Due to the bad weather on Sunday, organizers decided to reschedule a planned auction, saying it would take place during Canada Day celebrations at Frank James Park and that details would be published in the Mirror.
Members of the public will have a chance to bid on items including a power-carved bench, and a number of smaller creations crafted by the competitors during the Quick Carve event.
Overall, the five-day event was a success, said John Hawkins, vice president of the Shoreline Arts Society, which organizes the competition.
“The carvings will be down here at Frank James Park till at least the long weekend in September,” said Hawkins. “Everyone come out and see them at your leisure.”
