Pacific soon will make way for the fast-action artistry of chainsaw-chiseling artists.

Pacific City Park will be the stage for the inaugural White River Chainsaw Carving Championships on July 10-12. The event will feature 12 of the top chainsaw artist in the Northwest, including three-time Echo Cup Champion Bob King. He holds more titles than any other carver in the country and recently won the Danish International Challenge against 28 of the top carvers in the world.

The event will run each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the park, located at 600 3rd Ave. SE. Carvers will compete for thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise.

Pieces will be auctioned on Saturday (5:30 p.m.) and Sunday afternoon (3:30) with proceeds split between competitors and event costs.

Chainsaw carving has grown as a sport over the past decade – from a roadside attraction into events that attract thousands of fans and generate hundreds of thousands of dollars to local economies.

Although people often regard chainsaw art as the cute little bear cub holding a sign, but they are more likely to see intricate pieces surrounding the event's theme – Pacific's 100 years of history – as well as a variety of animals, including eagles, cougar and elk. The sport is not just for bears anymore.

This event is a joint partnership among the City of Pacific, the Pacific/Algona community center, a registered non-profit organization, and WRCCC.

For more information, call Mayor Richard Hildreth at 253-929-1108.