4th Annual Western Canadian Chainsaw Carving Championship

September 17th – September 20th 2026

8am – 6pm daily

Some of the world’s top chainsaw carvers have been invited to compete at this years championship including: Shea Larking, Ryan Cook, Brigette Lochhead, Tyler Welfing, Andrew Reimer, and Rick Shapcott. Scroll down to see information on all of the pro-carvers.

Each day features 10 hours of carving competition. Where sponsors will be able to interact with the carvers, media and fans. This years carving theme is: “In the Dog House”.

All the carvers compete in a 90 minute quick carves on both Saturday and Sunday. These pieces and the main carvings are live auctioned off to the highest bidders. Amateur carvings are sold by silent auction. Competition judging will conclude after the quick carve on Sunday.

After three successful years, Rig Hand has partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Leduc for the 2026 competition. All profits generated by this event will go to support the children’s programs that the club runs in the Leduc community. Admission is by donation to the Kiwanis Club of Leduc: $10/adult week-long pass. Kids are free.

*NEW* Little Chippers

We’re excited to be expanding this years Western Canadian Chainsaw Carving Championship to include a Little Chippers category.

Little Chippers Application

Amateur Carvers

We are proud to include an amateur carving competition featuring 10 local carvers again this year at our upcoming 4th Annual Western Canadian Chainsaw Carving Competition

Amateur Application Form

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

We welcome in-kind sponsorships to help support the event. Opportunities are available for sponsoring prizes and essential items such as chain oil, gasoline, and generators. These contributions play a vital role in keeping the championship running smoothly and are a great way to showcase your support.

Rig Hand Distillery and the Kiwanis Club of Leduc are seeking corporate and local sponsors for our expanding annual event — the Western Canadian Chainsaw Carving Competition.

This exciting event draws internationally renowned carvers alongside local legends, and takes place at our thriving venue, welcoming over 80,000 patrons annually.

Becoming a sponsor offers a unique opportunity to collaborate, celebrate, and connect with the community, while gaining exposure through a high-traffic, high-impact event with approximately 10,000 attendees.

Please reach out to info@righanddistillery.com for more information on becoming a sponsor.

2026 Professional Carvers

Shea Larking

is a carver based in Seymour Arm, BC. He has been actively sharing and selling his work since 2015. While he is primarily known for his wildlife subjects he also takes on commissions with other themes. Shea is the reigning WCCCC first place champion from 2025.

Ryan Cook

The wild blonde haired carver from the HGTV & Netflix USA series “Carver Kings “got his start in carving playing the apprentice from the television series “Saw Dogs“. He has quickly become one of the top carvers and most recognized names in the world of Chainsaw Carving.

Ryan carves full time out of Vancouver, British Columbia, and has competed all over the world. He turned professional in the summer of 2013 at the Campbell River Carving Competition, where he took First Place. At the same competition in 2017 Ryan again received First Place along with the People’s Choice award in the professional category. Ryan has placed in the top spots in many competitions around the world, including the Peoples Choice award at Chetwynd World Championships in 2018.

Brigitte Lochhead

Brigitte Lochhead is a sculptor specializing in chainsaw art. She produces both abstract and figurative works that draw inspiration from the natural world, her Scottish heritage and a broader desire to explore the many forms that sculpture can take. She has participated in multiple chainsaw carving competitions and events including those taking place in Hope, Campbell River, Powell River, Alberta, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Montana, and Tennessee.

She has also exhibited her work in fine art galleries throughout Canada and the United States and appeared as a contestant on the Discovery Channel chainsaw carving reality TV show ” A Cut Above” . Most recently Brigitte was the first recipient to receive the The Judy McVay Trailblazer Award.

Tyler Welfing

Welfing has been carving for 5 years after spending almost 20 years in the cabinet industry. He has competed in many competitions across Canada including Chetwynd Interantional. He has several podium finishes as well as peoples choice and carvers choice awards. His passion and dedication to the craft has pushed him to be recognized as a rising star in the carving world.

Rick Shapcott

Rick Shapcott has been an amateur carver for 6 years and won the amateur category at the 2025 WCCCC. In 2019 he was gifted an old 1970’s Pioneer chainsaw. Never actually using a chainsaw before, he decided to attempt his first carving. He has dabbled with pottery, drawing and painting which are all fun artistic mediums but creating art with a 90cc chainsaw he calls “Next level awesome!”

Andrew Reimer

Andrew Reimer started carving in May of 2023. What began with a crude bear carve quickly snowballed, leading him to attend his first amateur event at Rig Hand in 2024, where he won first place. After that experience, he was determined to eventually carve full time. The opportunity came sooner than expected after an accident, and Andrew decided to seize it—he hasn’t looked back since.

We know that big events can cause big wait times. That’s why we’ve asked Cornerstone BBQ to be on site Saturday and Sunday for the event. They’ll be featuring their award winning smoked meat sandwiches and a couple of classic sides.