Harner Farms hosting Chainsaw Wizards fundraiser

STATE COLLEGE — The woodchips will be flying for the sake of art and a good cause Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14, at Harner Farms in State College.

Dan Harner said he was happy to be hosting the third annual Chainsaw Wizards event, which will feature between 15 and 17 chainsaw “masters.”

Harner said he first watched chainsaw carvers in action in the Ridgeway area.

“I was so impressed with what those guys could do with a chainsaw,” he said. “It seemed they could whip out a small squirrel or bear in a few passes of their saws; the large sculptures are really impressive. It seemed like a perfect kind of entertainment for a summer day to combine with our fundraiser for the Veterans Assistance Fund.”

Three years ago, Harner invited a handful of carvers to his property and the fundraising event was born.

The carvers will arrive at the Harner property Thursday, July 12, to set things up, and demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following two days. At 2 p.m. Saturday, the artists will each contribute two or three pieces for an auction, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the local Veterans Assistance Fund.

“That is the more important part of holding this day’s event — to benefit the veterans,” said Harner.

According to Brian Querry, director of the Centre County Veterans Affairs office, the Veterans Assistance Fund money will be well spent.

“Our administrative costs have amounted to a little less than 6 percent, so about 94 percent of the money raised goes to help veterans with their needs. Approximately 34 percent has gone for housing, and approximately 33 percent has gone for fuel and utilities.”

The assistance fund also can help with car repairs, medical and dental bills and other needs. When a veteran wants to apply for aid, he or she can call the office at (814) 355-6812 to set up an appointment and fill out an application.

Jeff Donoughe, of Mill Hall, is an experienced chainsaw carver and the event’s planner. Other sponsors of the event include: R. Gilligan Auctions, Best Line Equipment, State College Ford Lincoln, Scott Yocum Remax Realty, Valley Homes, Carriage Corner Restaurant, Buffalo Valley Produce Auction, S. Gush Design and Collegiate Pride. Andy Moore Tree Service of State College and G&E Custom Sawing of Petersburg are providing a portable saw mill, and American Legion Post 245 of  State College also is involved with the event.