There’s no question, lumberjack sports, particularly axe throwing, have become increasingly popular in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Now the best axe throwers from across Canada and the world will converge on Liverpool for the inaugural Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships.
Ryan MacIntyre, president and founder of the North Nova Lumberjacks Society says they were inspired to create their own event after traveling to the world championships in Germany.
“In Europe they’re kind of ahead of us when it comes to axe throwing contests, they have clubs, they have national championships and it’s something we really don’t have in Canada right now.”
MacIntyre believes it will be a big draw and expects to see around 1,000 spectators per day.
The event will also see some of the best international competitors take part and prizes will be handed out in mens and womens categories.
When it came to choosing a spot to hold the first contest, MacIntyre says Liverpool just made sense.
“The South Shore is gorgeous and there’s such a history of lumberjacking, logging, everything that kind of relates to the event so it’s a perfect place to host, we’re looking forward to it.”
The local government is on board with the new event.
“We are happy to be a sponsor of the Canadian National Axe Throwing Championships. Events of this nature build on Queens County’s reputation as a host of unique, interesting, and successful events,” says David Dagley, mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality.
MacIntyre says if the event is a success, they’ll hold it again in 2019 and the Region of Queens has the first right of refusal for hosting again.
The championships take place August 25 and 26 in Centennial Park in Liverpool.
Contributed photo.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
