THUNDER BAY – The Hymers Fall Fair celebrate its 100th Anniversary this September. The Hymers Board partnered with the Thunder Bay Carvers to create a sign to celebrate this momentous occasion. Just over a year ago the carvers began work on the sign which contains 40 blocks of basswood.
Each block took approximately 40 to 50 hours to carve. About 37 carvers took part in this project with the assembly alone taking 200 hours of work. The majority of the blocks are of items that relate to the agricultural theme of the Hymers Fair.
Some of the blocks were taken on vacation, as the carvers ventured away for the winter months. Upon their arrival home, the blocks were given to carving member Bob Klapprat who assembled and finished the project for the presentation to the Hymers Fair Board in April.
The total weight of the sign is 55 lbs and it is hinged to make it easier to transport and handle. This project is truly a work of art that demonstrates the love of carving by the carving members. The carvers ranged in age with a couple of the carvers being in their 90’s.
The same carvers are also working on a walking stick that they plan on donating to the Hymers Board in time for the 100th fair. The Thunder Bay carvers meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on River and Farrand Street.
