Come join us tomorrow, Saturday June 8th, and Sunday June 9th, for great competition, vendors, food, and fun! Exhibitions start each day at 11am and the show starts at 1pm!
FREE day parking!
Admission $8 adults, $4 Seniors and Kids, Kids 5 & under FREE!
One of the best moments of every Deming Logging Show is when our announcer says that Whatcom County has not suffered a logging fatality in the past year. Unfortunately, those words will not be spoken at the 2019 Deming Logging Show. In August 2018, Mitch Jones lost his life in a tragic logging accident while working for a Whatcom County logging company. Mitch was well respected in the community, as both an outstanding logger and person. The loss of Mitch reminds us of the dangers our industry faces every day, and the reason the Deming Logging Show exists.
Due to an unfortunate mistake on our part, Mitch’s obituary was not included in our 2019 program memorial page. We are deeply sorry to Mitch’s family and friends for this error that was caught after printing. Please know that it was not intentional, and was merely human error. Mitch’s memorial will be included in next year’s program. And, of course, Mitch will be remembered in this year’s opening ceremonies, and the 2019 show will be respectfully dedicated to Mitch.
Gerald “Mitch” Mitchell Jones Sr
August 5, 1968 – August 15, 2018
Gerald Mitchell “Mitch” Jones passed away doing what he loved in a timber cutting accident on August 15, 2018. He is survived by his wife Nicole, sons MJ and Marlin, parents Jerry (Kellie) and Linda Dematties, siblings Jim (Tawnya), Jereme (Tara), Monica (Mike), Keith (Elizabeth), Kilie (Scott) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Mitch was born August 5, 1968 in Monroe, WA, but spent most of his childhood in Forks, where he went to work at his father’s lumber mill as early as age 15. Mitch found his passion for cutting timber, and did it for over 30 years. He met his wife Nicki in 1995, and they were married a year later. The pair – along with their two kids – called many places in Washington and Idaho home during their time together, most recently on Camano Island since 2012, where they proudly purchased a home two years ago.
Mitch enjoyed hunting, crabbing, and spending time with his family. He was known in his profession as one of the best, and someone who was never bad-mouthed by another in the industry. His loss will be felt heavily in that community and many others.
A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
I feel extremely honored to be able to serve a second term as president of the Deming Logging Show. I have lived in Deming for almost 50 years and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to such an extraordinary community. I have been privileged to grow up along-side of many family members who have served as presidents and past bull of the woods; they inspired me to appreciate hard work and the dedication that it takes to oversee this amazing organization.
Some of my greatest mentors growing up included Bill Blockley, Jack Zwick and Arnie Zwick. I am forever in their debt for all the advice and lessons they taught me. One of my fondest logging memories was from a job I did right here in Deming, with Jack and Arnie Zwick. Other fond memories I have are the times I spent working with my Uncle, Bill Blockley, where I think we averaged 80 logs to a load. All of these experiences have helped me get to where I am now, and I can only hope that I can come close to fulfilling the shoes of my forefathers.
My wife Tammy and I have been married for 35 years and have four adult children; Trent, Tara, Tiffany and Trevor. My daughter Tara and her significant other Craig, have blessed us with two beautiful granddaughters, Nazlyn 6 and Zaniya 2. In 2016, we added a son-in-law, Tony, to our crew when our daughter Tiffany got married. My two sons, Trent and Trevor (single and seeking rich, single, women) have been a huge help around the Deming Logging Show, devoting many long weekends in preparation for this amazing event. I owe a huge thank-you to many of my family members and friends for their endless support and dedication in helping us prepare for the festivities surrounding this weekend.
Again, thank-you all for the humbling opportunity to serve as the President of the Deming Logging Show.
“I was born February 25, 1949 to Lee & Mary (Zender) Williamson Sr., the 2nd of 13 children. My dad was a partner in Zee Bros Logging & Trucking with my ten uncles.
I started working in the woods as soon as I turned 18, on weekends and the summer after graduating from Mt. Baker High School in 1967. One of my first jobs was helping my Grandpa, Jacob Zender Sr., setting up the road changes for the sky-line (Bullet) at Jackman Creek for Zee Bros.
I then spent 1 year at WWSC. I decided that wasn’t for me. I think I was about the only kid on campus with a butch haircut. So I went back to work for Zee Bros., spending most of my time on the landing, chasing. Back then, Zee Bros. were running a Wood-Tree side and a Steel Tower side, working for Scott Paper Co. out of Hamilton WA. Most of the work was out of Jackman Creek, Skagit County, and Boulder Creek., Whatcom County and being trucked to Everett WA.
In early 1969 Zee Bros. expanded their trucking fleet and I had the opportunity to break in driving log truck with my dad. I took my 1st log truck home on my 20th birthday, February 25, 1969. It was a 1962 Kenworth with a 250 Cummins motor, and a 5×4 transmission.
During 1968 I was working the landing with Lonnie Schroeder and he talked me into going to a Deming Logging Show meeting. Thanks Lonnie! This is how I became involved in the DLS and I will never regret that. What a great organization to be a part of. I have held every office, been on the executive board, and served on many commitees of the DLS. I have been a contestant, served as Foreman of the Best Load of Logs event for over 20 years, and was the first foreman of the Wrapper Throwing event. I have also received the Gold Axe and Silver Axe awards. I attended my first Deming Logging Show in 1963 with my dad & Great Uncle, Herb Crabtree, and some of my brothers. I have only missed one show, in 1975, as I was working in Fairbanks, AK for LTI Inc. at the time.
As President in 1983, I was approached by Ward Nelson, who suggested we put on an Oktoberfest as a fund raiser. We did, and over 35 years later it is still happening. Come and join us the 2nd Friday and Saturday of October for fun, food, and dancing. Thank you to the men and women who help keep this event going, especially Byron White.
In 1987, Earl Quinn and I took over the Garbage Detail for Log Show weekend. One thing I am still capable of doing with the help of our great crew. Thanks guys and gals!
During my career I was married for 10 years and have 3 great children, Toby (Shawna & Jack), Jenny, & Hollie (Gary), Grand kids Ghatlin, Layne, Shaye, Elliott, and Amelia.
I have spent over 20 years working for Zee Bros. One year working for Ed Maleng. I was a 24 year old kid and he trusted me with his new 1973 Kenworth log truck. He taught me a lot. I spent one year working in Fairbanks, AK for LTI. I was one of the original partners of Elk Ridge Log, and I had my own company, Jim Williamson Enterprises with 2 trucks and selling landscaping materials for about 4 years. I then went to work for Brett & Arlene Engholm for 8 years hauling logs, poles, and pilings. I drove Brett’s self loader for 2 years while Brett went logging. During this time we hauled a lot of poles and piling for Stella-Jones out of New Westminster BC, delivering poles and piling up and down the west coast including many trips to the midwest. Brett and Arlene were great to work for. I then worked for Boss Construction for a year driving side dump on the dig out for the homeland security building at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine WA. Then on to Ferndale Ready Mix & Gravel at the Kendall Pit. This was a nice job, right out my back door for 9 years. Last year I worked for J.I.J. Corp digging out High Creek, even closer to home. I have also helped load a few log barges and a ship at the Port of Bellingham. I got to work with some good old friends there.
I think that I am getting closer to retirement, not sure yet, as it is hard to let go. But I have 40 years of catching up to do around my place, which I enjoy. I have my wood pile, garden, grass to cut, and other stuff to keep me busy!
Being a part of the timber industry has been a great career and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have met and made new friends along the way.
I want to thank all the men, women & families who keep the Deming Logging Show going year after year. It has been a great joy being involved with all of you over the years. Thank you for honoring me as your 2019 Bull of the Woods. It is a great honor, and very gratifying to be able to follow in the footsteps of those Bulls who came before me.
Thank you!”
Olivia says “I am so thankful to receive this scholarship award! The Deming Log show is so personal to me, as my family has been involved for generations and it’s something so important in my life. The people involved with the log show are like another family to me. I am graduating from Lynden High School and I will be attending The Master’s University in the fall! I will be majoring in teacher education and hope to obtain my teaching degree. I want to become an art teacher, so I can share my passion for art with future generations. Thank you!”
Congratulations Olivia and good luck with all of your future endeavors!
Learn more about Deming Logging Show Scholarships here, https://demingloggingshow.com/scholarships/
