Wooden you want to be there?

KNYSNA NEWS - Never before has there been such drive behind, and anticipation for, the Knysna Timber Festival this coming weekend. With a reintroduction of the exciting visual spectacle of Timber Sports, a Guinness World Record attempt and several other enhancements, the event promises to establish Knysna as the "Timber Capital" of South Africa once again.

The festival programme includes the launch of a new brand identity for "Knysna Timber" – part of a campaign to help rebuild the local economy following the devastating fires that tore through the town in June 2017.

As a storyteller, opportunity provider and activator the brand is positioned to create a cohesive vision and widen the horizon of the sector by embracing timber, not only as a raw material, product or activity, but as a lifestyle, by engaging within the spheres of sport, leisure activities, nature, health and even food – highlighting the important role wood has to play in our lives.

Promoting 'timber tourism'
One of the primary aims of Knysna Timber is to enhance and promote "timber tourism" – by staging directly linked shows such as the 2020 Knysna Timber Festival, and align with events like the numerous MTB races held in the region's forests; hosting National Heritage Day (Braai Day) celebrations; running opportunity workshops for youth entering the job market; mentoring new entrepreneurs; creating visually arresting art installations; tackling reforestation (search "Project Reforester" on Facebook); an experimental aquaponic tree nursery; and a new magazine – simply titled Knysna Timber – to share the stories of heritage, activities and innovators in the area (look out for this new publication at the event).

A huge attraction this weekend will be Timber Sports: catch local teams competing in seven unique disciplines at the competition on Saturday 14 March, including speed-cutting, felling of logs, "axemanship", loading- and offloading logs by Bell loaders and crane trucks – all against the clock. This, along with a world record attempt at having the largest collection of chainsaw operators starting their saws, all at once, then cross-cutting through a 200mm log, will ensure there will be adrenaline, noise, smoke and sawdust – so expect to be thrilled and entertained. The record attempt is scheduled for 14:00 on Saturday.

'Fund-a-Forest' drive
Another unique facet of the festival will be the "Fund-a-Forest" drive by virtue of which visitors can buy a tree for as little as R200 and help plant a new indigenous forest. While not limited to the weekend's activities, the project will have its head start at the festival and continue year-round. The saplings will be planted at Timber Village on Sunday 15 March, creating a fun family activity while addressing ecological concerns – and, over time, a band of indigenous woodland will be created to be enjoyed by future visitors and families well into the future.

As in previous festivals, there will also be timber-related products on exhibit – from the latest DIY tools, timber-care products and wood-turning and creative-carving demonstrations, to exotic timber suppliers and a large outdoor area with impressive woodworking and milling machinery. With a full exhibition tent and packed showground, there is something for everyone.

A tribute to the greatness of wood
The Knysna Timber Festival is an important event, steeped in passion and commitment (and for Knysna, much of its history).

In an age of instant gratification, this festival pays tribute to the greatness of wood – the most honest and sustainable of materials – and honours what only time can create: the growth of sustainable trees; thoughtful design; intelligent use of the resources; the art and culture of timber; and the rebuilding of a legacy that belongs right here, at home in Knysna – the home of timber in South Africa.

The organisers also give a word of special thanks for the incredible support by this event's sponsors: Strand Hardware, Woodoc, Rare Woods SA, Stihl (Turf & Trees) and Saplings; to hosting partners Karl van Lith at Timber Village (main festival grounds) and Knysna Hollow (industry workshop venue); to invaluable media partners Group Editors and Visit Knysna (Tourism); and to the Knysna Timber Initiative (KTI).

Visit the Knysna Timber Festival in person, 13 to 15 March, and discover a whole new world of wonder.

Festival-goers enjoy themselves at a previous festival.