More than 50 indoor and outdoor exhibits will highlight the Kentucky Wood Expo, which takes place Sept. 17-18 at Masterson Station Park in Lexington. Since its initial appearance in 1983, the expo has earned a reputation as one of the best regional trade shows highlighting the latest forest technology. The expo has also been voted one of the top 10 tourism events by the Kentucky Tourism Council.  

Presented by the Kentucky Forest Industries Association, the two-day event promotes the state’s logging and sawmill industry and will showcase the latest in sawmill and pallet equipment, rolling stock, mill supplies and many other forestry products. Attendees may test equipment before purchasing it.  

Not only for those working in the forest industry, the event – which is held every two years – aims to provide the public with a variety of programs intended to both educate and entertain. Specialists with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will offer many of the educational sessions. 

Some of the competition highlights include collegiate lumberjack contests – where preregistered teams participate in cross cuts, underhand chops, axe throws and chainsaw cuts and skidder and knuckleboom contests. Participants may enjoy watching chainsaw carving demonstrations, taking a wagon ride and seeing some of the region’s craft vendors. Youth may learn about Kentucky’s forests, wildlife including live snakes, insects and more from the UK Department of’s Forestry and Natural Resources.  

Participants will see a demonstration on small-scale logging. The event will include exposure to general practices and equipment demonstrations to help landowners safely and efficiently cut and move logs. Landowners and members of the logging community may learn about using ATV-mounted skidding plates, log arches, farm tractor log winches and log loading trailers. Additionally, the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources will offer training on the detection and management of invasive plant species.  

The expo will also offer continuing education for Kentucky Master Loggers. 

In 2020, a UK study estimated that Kentucky’s forest industry sector provides $9.55 billion in direct economic contribution to the state with total economic contributions coming in at $13.97 billion, making it one of the largest industries in Kentucky. The forest sector provides 27,000 jobs with an estimated 53,000 jobs overall. 

For more information, visit http://www.KYWoodExpo.com.