Description

The Maine Forestry Museum sponsors multiple events in mid-July to celebrate our region’s timber heritage.

This popular two-day event features an Educational Day, a Logging Parade, and a Logging Festival. Educational Day (Free) – July 17, 2026 (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) 

The Educational Day is on July 17.  One of the highlights of our Educational Day is the "Working Forest Tour". We visit an actual logging site in the Rangeley area. Learn about the considerations that go into managing the working forests of Maine! (Please note there is an $8.00 fee for this tour and up to 25 people are invited. Contact the museum for reservations).

Other highlights of our Educational Day include the operation of historical equipment like a two-man chainsaw. Or attend a unique historical presentation of logging in the Rangeley region. Plus, we’ll be burying the beans (around 3:00 PM) for the Bean Hole Dinner that will be served on Saturday. Don’t miss this interesting day! 

The Logging Parade is on July 18 at 10:00 AM along Rangeley’s Main Street featuring loaded big rig logging trucks, floats, bands, antique cars and much more! This year’s parade theme is “Maine Forests – Log It, Hike It, Fish It, Hunt It, Camp It, Ride It, Love It!”. Winners for “Best Loaded Truck”, “Most Appropriate to Logging” (logging industry equipment), and “Best Fitting Parade Theme” for floats and other entries will be chosen. Want to have some fun? Create a float and march in the parade! Get creative with your Maine Forest imagination! To participate in the parade, please contact our parade coordinator Linda Sikes at (207-491-6566). 

Logging Festival and Arts & Crafts Vendor Day – July 18, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) At the conclusion of the morning Logging Parade, The Logging Festival kicks off on Museum fairgrounds with our opening ceremonies followed by our Hall of Fame inductions, famous Bean Hole Dinner, biscuits baked on reflector ovens and our exciting logging competition. 

A thrilling addition to the logging competition is the Axe Women Loggers of Maine. Come see the all-female team of world champion choppers, sawyers, log rollers, and axe throwers. These women athletes will impress you with their skill logging skills and enthusiasm! There will be children’s activities all day, including our popular barrel train ride, mini excavator, face painting, bouncy house, and more. Come see the talented Northern Explosion Cloggers too!  Our vendors, artisans and crafters will be there too! Don’t forget to check out our beer garden as well! Entrance Fee for Logging Festival – Adults – $8.00, Children (Ages 6 – 17) – $5.00, Children (Ages 5 – Under) – Free