Chris Baldo, a volunteer from the Willits-based Roots of Motive Power, Inc. runs a coal fired steam roller.

All aboard the LoCO Express as local photographer Mark Larson takes LoCO’s readers on a visually rich tour of the 75th Annual Redwood Region Logging Conference. The event was held on the 14th through the 16th at the Redwood Acres Fairground. 

First stop, the wildlife show.

Rescued birds, mammals and reptiles were featured in the Wild Things, Inc. Show at the 75th annual Redwood Region Logging Conference at Redwood Acres on Saturday, March 16. Gabe Kerschner of Wild Things, Inc., a wildlife care center in Auburn, Calif., moved Spirit, a bald eagle from Alaska that lost its left wing to a gunshot wound, from its cage to the demonstration area.

Next stop, the sporting events.

Logging-related sports including log loading were featured in the Loggers Competition.

Justine Zeni, an engineering major at U.C. Berkeley, competed in a double sawing competition in the Lumberjack & Jill Show.

Steven Mitchell, a wildlife major and member of the HSU Logging Sports team, competed in a double sawing competition in the Lumberjack & Jill Show.

Logging-related sports including burling were featured in the Lumberjack & Jill Show. Steve Mitchell (left), an HSU wilflife major, competed against Lizzie Ebbert, a U.C. Berkeley student, on the indoor pool.

Brita Rustad (left) gets dunked by Lizzie Ebbert, both U.C. Berkeley students, on the indoor pool while participating in burling.

Janie Robb, 12, and Cove Springs, 9 (both of Eureka), got a chance to practice their sawing skills between Lumberjack & Jill Shows.

Next stop, the exhibits.

Parents and children enjoyed free rides from the Gypsy locomotive provided by the Timber Heritage Association.

A miniature world of railroads, including logging-related activity, was provided by members of the Humboldt Bay & Eureka Model Railroad Club. Bill Kohse, McKinleyville, described how the modular layout, which takes four to five hours to set up, includes models of local and regional logging locomotives and other equipment.  

Supervising children climbing on logging equipment was an important parenting activity at the 75th annual Redwood Region Logging Conference at Redwood Acres.

Chris Baldo, a volunteer from the Willits-based Roots of Motive Power, Inc., carefully operates a coal-fired, steam-driven steamroller.

Steam and water drops cover Chris Baldo as he fires up a steam-powered road roller.

Next stop, taking in the vendor booths.

Using “virtual” logging equipment was a big attraction for children and parents at the vendor exhibits.

Thanks for joining the LoCO and photographer Mark Larson on a tour of one of the fascinating events in Humboldt County this year.