27th Annual Woodcarving Show and Sale
May 6 & 7, 2006

The North Arkansas Woodcarvers held their 27th Annual Show and Sale on May 6 and 7, 2006 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home, AR. Carvers from 10 states came to the Ozarks to exhibit, compete, demonstrate and sell their carvings/wood turnings. Over 140 ribbons, plaques and awards were presented including 51 cash prize awards. Tom Brown, the competition's judge, carefully scrutinized the 173 entries from the 46 categories entered and personally went to every table for a one-on-one critique session on Sunday. Tom was assisted by NAWC club members Roberta Dulaney, recorder; Debra Bergum, photographer; Jay Nottingham, announcer; Dick Dulaney, carving entry table; Norm Rutledge, carving entry handler; Bonnie Davis, show coordinator; and Sandy Smith, who posted the winners.

Ray and Jean Kropke (and Jean's twin sister Jan) worked the entry booth making sure that everyone visiting the show was warmly greeted and received a door prize ticket as well as a People's Choice Ballot. Admission for both days was free, but donations are always greatly appreciated. Jody Nottingham assisted by Barb Edelbrock did a wonderful job selling tickets at the raffle table. Warren Brown, Barb and Sidney Edelbrock, Cheryl Conner, Norm Rutledge, and Jim Lehmkuhl handled the Club and Door Prize tables selling T-shirts, mugs, hats, memberships, etc., and coordinated the drawings for the hourly door prizes. Behind the scenes "sign committee" members were Norm Rutledge, Warren Brown, Dick Dulaney, Bonnie Davis, and Gary and Sandy Smith.

Art Boatright of Marion, IL pleased the crowd at the entrance to the building with his wonderful chainsaw carvings. Art donated a magnificent chainsaw "Welcome Bear" for the raffle that was won by Linda Stevens who was a visitor to Mountain Home. A "stylized Owl" carved from hickory by show committee member Dick Dulaney was won by Cheryl Titcomb of Flippin, AR. Club member and show photographer Deb Bergum donated a beautiful "Hummingbird" relief carving that was won by Jan Vanalstin of Chicago. Jan was so happy to have won the carving she could not control her "tears of joy" when her ticket was selected. And last but not least, club member John Uelman donated a "Walking Stick" that was won by Gene Harding of Leavenworth, KS.

Four carvers entered the Sunday afternoon's "Whittling Contest" conducted by NAWC member Anna Sue Hickman. They were allowed 2 carving tools and a pencil and were given 1 hour to complete a carving. Larry Yudis, Tom Brown and Dale Berke judged the results. Each winner received a plaque from NAWC and a gift certificate from Larry Yudis' Woodcraft Shop. Will Jensen placed first; Ed Zinger, second; and Chuck Bailey, third. An Honorable Mention of a "hug and a kiss from Larry" went to Jack Ryan. Special thanks go to Larry Yudis for his generous donation of Gift Certificates and to Rudy Nigl of Gillingham, WI for the donation of the "whittling" wood.

Saturday evening's banquet dinner/auction was held at the Elks Lodge and coordinated by Bea Berke. "Live" music was performed by RIO and enjoyed by all attending. Everyone received a 10x13 NAWC tote bag (with product advertising) and a ticket for the door prize raffle which was held after the meal. An auction, led by Tom Brown, was conducted to generate funds for next year's show. There were many wonderful items auctioned as well as many very happy winning bidders with their prizes.

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Photos by Deb Bergum