2008 Dollywood Woodcarving Showcase By Debbie Herrin Photography by Kelli Bartee Dollywood chiseled out three days during the park’s annual National Gospel & Harvest Celebration for the 17th annual Woodcarving Showcase (Oct. 3 - 5, 2008). The event welcomed carvers from nine states who competed, demonstrated and exhibited their intricate carvings. The event got under way on Friday, Oct. 3, with the Woodcarving Competition, featuring an intermediate and two open divisions. Three teams of three judges narrowed down the field. In the three different divisions, nine carvings were awarded the top “Best” honors. The same judges also selected the Top 25 carvings which were placed on display in a special exhibit. From the Top 25, the carvers selected the Carver’s Choice award winner, while Dollywood guests voted the People’s Choice award winner. The three - day event also featured a daily carving competition, which took place under a large tent on the park grounds. Guests were able to observe the carvers’ work up - close and ask questions of the carvers. Friday afternoon showcased the Team Carving competition with six teams of three carvers each. During the competition, each carver was given a piece of wood of varying size. In addition, each team was given a television show title. The challenge was to carve pieces which would enable the judges to guess the show’s title from the carvings. The winning team consisted of Wayne Shinlever, Doug Arrowood, and Ken Manning, each of who received $75. The second place team was Bruce Henn, Ernest Hill and Don Mertz, each winners of $50. The third place team was Gary Falin, Don Worley and Ol’Don Burgdorf, winners of $25 each. The shavings piled up during Saturday’s main event, the Whittling Contest. Given a block of basswood, each carver was instructed to carve their interpretation of a “key chain”. The first place prize went to Renee’ Manning who took top honors and the $100 prize. Terry Brasher won second place and $75, while third place and $50 went to Wayne Shinlever. Gary Falin claimed the fourth place prize and $35; Vic Hood won fifth place and $25; and Ken Manning came in sixth and took home $15. The day’s festivities concluded with carvers and their families enjoying Dollywood’s famous Tennessee home - cooked dinner. The Dollywood Special Events Department emceed at the Carvers Exchange which included door prizes donated by Dollywood. On Sunday morning, Dollywood hosted the Awards Coffee featuring the park’s famous pastries. Prize money was awarded, and the winner of the Carver’s Choice, Billy Reynolds, and the People’s Choice, Larry Nix, were announced. During the show, mystery judges visited with each carver’s table and talked with each carver while judging Best Booth. The judges’ criteria included originality, presentation of carvings, activity (such as demonstration) and interaction with the show guests. Ken Manning was announced as winner of this year’s Best Booth award. The show’s final event, the much - anticipated Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, took place Sunday afternoon. Each carver was given a Dollywood home grown pumpkin and allowed to carve the subject of his or her choice. This event was exciting for the carvers and also great fun for Dollywood guests who watched the transformations take place. Billy Reynolds won first place; Wayne Shinlever won second place; and Vic Hood claimed third place. Once again, the carved pumpkins were donated to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tenn. The complete list of ribbon winners includes: Wildlife Realistic
Wood Sculpture
Intermediate
To visit the 2008 Winners Gallery Click HERE The 2009 Dollywood Woodcarving Showcase is set for October 2 - 4. The three - day event takes place amid the country’s largest celebration of Southern gospel music and one of the Smokies’ largest outdoor crafts festivals at Dollywood. Visiting crafters will demonstrate a unique array of skills ranging from traditional pioneer crafts born of necessity to innovative forms of artistry. For complete information, please contact Kelli Bartee, Dollywood Events Manager, 865 - 428 - 9563; kbartee@dollywood.com or Debbie Herrin, Special Events Administrative Assistant, 865 - 428 - 9865; dherrin@dollywood.com; fax 865 - 428 - 9828; 1020 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 37863. |
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