The 26^th Annual Kentucky Wood Expo took place in Madisonville, KY on September 19 & 20 at the Hopkins County Fairgrounds.  This was the second time the show was held in Madisonville and everyone once again enjoyed the Western Kentucky hospitality.  We want to thank the City of Madisonville and the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission along with the local wood industry for their co-operation during planning and with assistance the week of the show.  Without this support a successful event would not have happened. 

     The weather was excellent for both days and the show was well attended with an estimated crowd of around 4,000 that represented over 13 states and China.  The show had approximately 70 inside and outside exhibitors from all over the United States and Canada.  We had a lot of industry support from the Madisonville community and the Western Kentucky area and we want to especially thank all of our members, which attended the Wood Expo.  Many exhibitors reported that despite harsh economic times and industry downturn that they sold equipment or received several solid leads.     

     In addition to equipment and exhibitors, there were plenty of activities for everyone to participate in and enjoy.  On Friday area school children participated in a program to educate them about the value of the wood industry in their everyday lives.  The kids and visitors were also treated to free wagon rides and a horse logging demonstration provided by Rob Rodgers and Blackberry Farms  We appreciate our TREE-rific members and exhibitors for helping with the school program by doing everything from purchasing tickets for the kids to attend free of charge to working at one of the stations and most important having patience to answer all the questions.  Area master loggers also received some schoolin by attending continuing education classes that were held both days of the show. 

     Friday ended with exhibitors, members from the local community, and KFIA members getting together to enjoy great barbecue and outstanding area talent David Lutz who performed a variety of music.  Congratulations to Mike Thomas, TS Manufacturing for winning the country ham gift box donated by the Green River Loggers Council. 

     Activities continued on Saturday with a skidder and knuckleboom contest, a truck show, live music performed by the talented group The Huckleberrys, cornhole tournament, drawings and give-aways by exhibitors, and of course some great fellowship and food with the many wood industry representatives and local community. 

     In the Lumberjack Arena, visitors watched the Fred Scheers Lumberjack shows from Hayward, WI.  The troupe put on an excellent show performing log rolling and pole climbing.  The show also hosted a Kentucky Lumberjack Invitational for competitors from around the region.  Contestants competed for over $2300 in prize money, trophies, and bragging rights.  Hats off to Dan Duncan from Dexter, KY who was named the overall winner for the competition.

     We appreciate all our exhibitors, sponsors and participants.  Be sure to visit our website at www.kfia.org for more information on contest winners, sponsors, exhibitors, and other results.  Although the dust has just settled from 2008, we are already looking forward to 2009.  The show will be held in London, KY and additional details will be forthcoming.  The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) sponsors the Kentucky Wood Expo.  For more information on how your company can get involved with the 2009 show, please call KFIA at 502/695-3979.