September 10-12 marked the 2004
Spit n' Whittle, held at the Osceola Fairgrounds
in Evart, MI. With great weather and great company the event was
a great success.
Early Tuesday saw the first carvers arrive, and by start time on Friday there were 59 campers set up on site. . Organized by the Chief Osceola Carvers of Evart,, Spit and Whistle is an all-volunteer evert and there is no cost to attend.
Friday morning 0ver 150 carvers gathered with knives in hand. Carving started early with lots of sharing and smiles spread around the buildings.
Campin' and Carvin'
Among those sharing their skills
were:
Harold Joseph Instructs
Bill Jaquays Class
WOM sponsor Leather Plus
was there with their full line of carving supplies.
Saturday afternoon marked the first annual Wood Carvers Barn Sale headed by Bob and Gwenna Spillett. Lots of extra carving items were sold at a very reasonable price.
Garage Sale Bargaining
In the evening a potluck dinner was followed by a great jam session. Spit and Whittle ended around Sunday noon with a hot dog roast over the campfire. The lunch was topped off again this year with homemade ice cream made by Tom and Dottie Barth from Cincinnati, Ohio. Mmmmmm-so good!!
Orlando Villarreal with students
Everyone enjoyed the new lights put up in the Swine barn and the Dairy barn. The lighting is MUCH better now and there are also more electrical outlets, thanks to the wood carvers at the June Roundup who donated over $600 to update the lighting in these buildings.
Rod Walker shares painting tips
Vern Love with wooden plyers
Terry Zobl in a quiet moment
Perhaps some of the carvers who were unable to attend this year will join the event next year one September 9-11. But before the next Spit n' Whittle there is a much bigger carving event. The 2005 Wood Carvers Roundup, also organized by the Chief Osceola Carvers, will be held at the same fairgrounds on June 15-18, 2005. For more information check online at www.woodcarversroundup.com.