1st Annual Lumberjack Olympics draws 150-plus to Potawatomi Wildlife Park

Potawatomi Wildlife Park welcomed more than 150 people on Saturday, August 22, for its First Annual Lumberjack Olympics, bringing together participants and spectators of all ages for an evening of friendly competition, laughter, and outdoor fun.

One of the highlights of the event was the incredible range of ages represented. Participants ranged from just 1 year old to 84 years old, making the Lumberjack Olympics truly an event for every generation.

Competitors were encouraged to participate as much or as little as they wanted. Some took on nearly every challenge, while others chose just one or two events to try. Competitions included one-person crosscut saw, two-person crosscut saw, stock chainsaw racing, axe throwing, hatchet throwing, and log rolling, with youth, men's, and women's divisions.

"For a first-year event, we really weren't sure what to expect," said Park Manager Lacey Pfeiffer. "Seeing more than 150 people come out to participate, watch, and support the park was incredible. Even better was watching people from 1 to 84 years old step up, try something new, cheer each other on, and simply have fun together."

The Lumberjack Olympics was completely free to attend and compete, continuing the park's commitment to providing affordable opportunities for families to get outdoors and spend time together. Participants and spectators also received a free hot dog from the Heaven's Cup food truck, thanks to the generosity of event sponsors.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park extended a special thank-you to the businesses and individuals who helped make the first Lumberjack Olympics possible: Hensley Fabricating & Equipment Co., Steel Ridge, Mike Yazel, Egg Town Coffee, American Legion Post 424 in Bourbon, Bourbon Street Pizza in Mentone and Bourbon, and Pike Lumber Company.

The park also expressed gratitude for the volunteers who gave their time to help with registration, competitions, setup, cleanup, and the many behind-the-scenes jobs needed to make the event a success.

As a private nonprofit park, Potawatomi Wildlife Park relies on donations, sponsors, volunteers, and community support to continue providing free and affordable opportunities for the public. Events like the Lumberjack Olympics are about more than competition — they give families, friends, and generations an opportunity to spend time together, try something different, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories.

After such an incredible turnout for year one, Potawatomi Wildlife Park is already looking forward to the Second Annual Lumberjack Olympics in 2027.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park is located at 16998 State Road 331 in Tippecanoe, Indiana. The nonprofit park encompasses more than 317 acres and is open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset with no admission fee, though donations are greatly appreciated.

There's plenty more happening at Potawatomi Wildlife Park throughout the remainder of 2026:

• September 12 — Annual Fishing Derby and Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
• October 10 — Annual Banquet and Trivia Night
• November 14 — Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt, Sunset 5K, and Stargazing
• December 12 — Luminary Hike and Wagon Ride

For more information, contact Lacey Pfeiffer, Park Manager, Potawatomi Wildlife Park.