Make some memories...

Orofino Lumberjack Days is celebrating its 59th year this weekend and that is a lot of memories.

Since 1947, Lumberjack Days and the fair have showcased agriculture and logging, both with long traditions in the county. Lumberjack Days began as a cooperative effort of local churches and organizations to form Orofino Celebrations, Inc. (OCI). Among the first officers were President J.B. "Buzz" Oud, Vice President Mel Snook, Treasurer Vernon Butler and Secretary Wayne Shriver. Clearwater County Fair had been operating for several years prior. The intent of OCI, according to founders was to bring more attendance to the fair and highlight the logging industry. Local businesses, firms and loggers donated money for the first logging show.

But the real memories come from individuals with varied experiences through the years. Some remember special people that became icons such as Mel Snook, Jake Altmiller, Jim Bessent, Bill Crutcher and so many others. Some remember special events in which they participated.

Check out a few of the memories of current OCI members:

Randy Steiner remembers the first year he was president of OCI because that year Mike Forrester was competing in the obstacle pole. Forrester ran up the obstacle pole but lost his balance, but caught himself with his legs. He was there upside down trying to get his chainsaw started so he could saw a block.

Jeff Jones has 20 years of memories to look back on, but his favorite is the year his daughter, Sarah, was a princess and got thrown in the birling pond. Little Bill Miller threw the queen in and all three girls ended up there. Since Sarah was involved their family went to all the parades and functions with them.

Earl Vicory said his favorite memory was in the early 1960s when he was about 10 and his father, Joe Vicory, was hot sawing.

Bev Wilson's favorite memory is working with her mother, Ingrid Ponozzo, in the announcer's booth during the logging show. Ingrid was the OCI secretary/manager for many years.

Staci Lee said to her the best part of Lumberjack Days is the carnival and food. It is almost like a holiday.

Bobbi Flowers favorite memory is the year that Ted Petersen "took a swim" in the birling pond and she did not. That was in 1995 and Little Bill Miller threw Petersen in with the Royalty.

Riding in Frenny Frensdorf's helicopter is Joe Pippenger's favorite memory. Frenny used to land his helicopter on the dike and take people up for $5 a ride in his Bell two-seater helicopter. They got to see all over town. It was the favorite ride at the fair.

Lori Jo McLean's favorite memory is showing steers, especially because she won. She also enjoyed making Tammy Gilmer go on a carnival ride with her. McLean likes the wild ones.

Her first year working on the auction is Susan Spencer's favorite memory. She said she gave the trophy to the wrong log load and another trophy had to be made for the winner.

Tammy Gilmer played flute in the Orofino Junior High School band when she was growing up. Her favorite memory of the weekend is marching with the band in the Kiddie Parade because they got to go out and practice on the street by what was then the creamery (now Whipple's Feed Store). It was way better than sitting in the band room.

Monk Montgomery has been with OCI since it was founded. He says he does not have a favorite memory because each year there are a lot of new friends to meet and enjoy.

Make some memories this year...