In 1963, a local logger named Leon Van Brocklin was injured in the woods. An injury like this could be devastating, as loggers were often the sole source of income for their families in these times. Seeing the need to help, a group of Van Brocklin’s peers organized a logging show, an exhibition of all the skills these men used in the woods every day. A local farmer donated use of a cow pasture equipped with spar trees, a pond for log rolling, and other materials for events. Charging a small fee of $1 per person, the event raised more than $800 for the injured logger, equivalent to more than $8,200 today.
Intended to be a one-time event, the exhibition took place in the same pasture over the next few years as the group saw a continued need of its support. In 1966, one of the group’s founders, Finley Hays, proposed that the board buy a 40-acre plot on Cedarville Road to grow the organization. All in agreement, the land was bought and cleared in time to hold the 1968 Deming Logging Show (DLS) on those grounds.
Today, the event space holds an arena, three barbecue buildings, a museum building, and seven baseball fields. Outside of the annual show, the DLS grounds are used year-round to host weddings, reunions, dances, and even festivals, including an annual Oktoberfest and the Subdued String Band Jamboree.
Continuing the Cause
The show, held annually on the second full weekend of June, draws upward of 10,000 spectators, a testimony its exponential growth from that first event, which brought in about 800 attendees. The 1963 show included about 10 events; today the show holds more than 25 events in under four hours — a pace unmatched by nearly all other logging shows throughout the world.
Between the year-round operations and annual show, all profits generated on the ground continue to contribute to the original purpose: to support busted up loggers. The recipients of these funds include an average of 30 families affected by injuries in the woods each year, along with around 15 permanently disabled loggers who the DLS supports continually. Outside of this main mission, the Deming Logging Show helps fund other local entities, distributing scholarships to graduating high school seniors, supporting local FFA programs, and providing fields for local little league teams to use.
The network of similar logging shows across the country and world is vast, but many who have been to the Deming Logging Show say it’s unlike any other show in many ways.
Bob Larsen, current and six-time past president of the Deming Logging Show, discussed with me the unique culture of the organization. Although the main focus of the DLS is the annual show, it’s ultimately a business run by volunteers who dedicate many hours throughout the year to uphold operations. it began with a group of loggers, the DLS has grown to be managed by people from all walks of life.
“It’s amazing how well a group of guys who get together once a month can manage the money, maintenance, and everything else that goes into keeping that log show going in a positive direction” Larsen says. “It is really incredible; it is extremely humbling to be a part of that.”
The work of the Deming Logging Show is not solely accomplished by those who make up its board. Hundreds of volunteers come together in the months leading up to the show to put together a weekend that is the highlight of summer for many. Much of the organization’s success is attributed to this support from community members.
“The log show has shown compassion and heart and soul to this community, especially the logging community, and in turn the community has shown so much of the same back.” Larsen says. “The log show wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for the return of the same support. It really works both ways.”
The Deming Logging Show is much more than a singular event in June. For some it’s a community they were raised supporting. For others it’s a connection to their family’s history in the wider logging community. But for all who come to enjoy the show, it’s a peek into the logging industry, an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and support an incredibly worthy cause.
Looking Ahead
If you missed the 2024 Deming Logging Show held earlier this year on June 8 and 9, mark your calendars now for 2025! Next year’s event takes place June 14 and 15. Camping is available, but reservations sell out quickly. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for important information in the months prior to the show.
Many vendors set up at the show, including the ‘world famous’ barbeque, the shirt and hat shacks, and the Ladies Auxiliary concessions. Admission is $10/day for adults and $5/day for kids and seniors. And as Bob Larsen tells newcomers, “If you pay to get in and don’t like the show, I’ll refund you from my own pocket!”