RIDGWAY — The roar of chainsaws will echo through the Ridgway Mills Campground, April 22-25, as chainsaw carvers transform raw logs into intricate sculptures during the 25th Annual Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous.

The event is expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors to Ridgway, a historic lumber town of 4,000 residents. The influx delivers a major boost to local tourism, hospitality, and small businesses across Elk County and the Pennsylvania Wilds region.

Since its founding in 2000, the Rendezvous has attracted chainsaw artists from more than 22 countries, earning Ridgway the title “Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World.” This year’s roster includes over 130 carvers from the United States and abroad, including artists from Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“For 25 years, this has been a labor of love. There’s nothing like watching a raw log become a finished sculpture right in front of you,” Event Director Liz Boni said. “We aspire to bring the public a unique experience when they visit. Our slogan has always been, ‘Life Exceeding the Dream,’ and so far, it has been just that.”

Each carver begins with a six-foot pine log, transforming it over four days into a finished sculpture. Visitors will see everything from classic bears and eagles to elk, Sasquatch, aliens, and cartoon characters. Many return day after day to watch the carvings take shape.

Daily, in addition to the live chainsaw carving, the event includes a marketplace of crafters and retailers, food and beverage vendors, and an over-21 area with beer and wine. The Rendezvous opens at 10 a.m.

Visitors and carvers can attend a carving seminar Thursday morning. On Saturday, Ridgway Public Library will host its monthly story reading at the Rendezvous, followed by a children’s craft. Live music will take place Friday and Saturday, featuring regional acts throughout the day.

The event concludes Saturday with a crowd-favorite “Quick Carve,” where artists have just one hour to turn a fresh log into a finished sculpture. There will be over 75 carvings immediately auctioned, giving attendees the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind work.