Greetings from Albuquerque!
The sun was shining, the balloons were flying and the chainsaws were running smooth. It was another great year of top competition as the ECHO Chainsaw Carving Team participated in the 22 hour National Chainsaw Carving Championship at the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. Over three days in the sun, wind and sometimes rain, the carvers were tasked with carving an 8 foot log of redwood into a master piece following the theme of "Earth, Wind and Flyers."
Bob King took top honors this year with his charming and pastoral nature scene "God's Gifts."
Mike Bihlmaier took 2nd Place with his fluid landscape "The Chase."
Coming in at 3rd (as well as People's Choice Winner) was Mark Colp's dazzling animal masterpiece "Birds of Prey in the Wind."
All of the carver's competed at the top of their game this year and the judges task was very difficult. The masterpieces were all auctioned off and we raised over $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation of New Mexico.
Please see our Facebook page for lots more photos and videos.
Stay tuned for more information as the ECHO Regional Chain Saw Carving Championship begins October 7th at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
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