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'Bull in the Woods' - Nordicfest tries its hand at arm wrestling

by Brandon Roberts Western News
| September 12, 2008 12:00 AM

It's natural to think of tradition as unchanging. Yet, like the culture with which it develops, traditions evolve and adapt.

Nordicfest - which opens Friday and continues into Sunday - is one Libby tradition that is also evolving.

When it began 24 years ago, there was no varpa contest, and the quilt and craft show had only a few displays. Now crowds encircle the varpa field, thousands browse in awe of the creative spirit of the Kootenai Valley crafters, and mouths water in anticipation of the homemade delicacies.

With the support and dedication of Libby native Gene Auge, Nordicfest hopes to establish a new tradition for 2008 - arm wrestling. He describes the new tournament as a “bull in the woods” and issues a challenge to the local strong-arms, men or women.

“Look out for these girls around here,” Auge warns. “Some of them even the men can't handle.

“I wanted something that would draw more participation, to create more involvement Š something in the spirit of our Nordic logging tradition,” he added.

Auge grew up Libby. His father was a logger and throughout his life, Auge has returned to the woods to make his way in this world as his father did.

“It is important to remember our roots and heritage,” Auge said recalling the woodsmen of the Kootenai Valley and their Norse heritage.

He reminds us that though we all take pride in being American, it was not long ago that our ancestors were back in Scandinavia managing the forests and creating a life from the woods.

Auge really believes in Nordicfest, and as chairman of fundraising, he said the festival is a real boost to valley residents and businesses.

“The money goes right back into our community,” Auge said. “Adding that money spent at Nordicfest go to sustaining local families and organizations, supporting youth groups, and promoting nonprofit philanthropy.

In the spirit of community support, Auge set up the arm-wrestling tournament so all money goes to the contestants. Besides the entry fee, Auge found businesses to supply a generous donation of $1,000 to the contest.

The tournament will be held on a platform next to the varpa field at the Memorial Center on Lincoln Boulevard. Auge said this tourney is no back-alley deal - everything is professional and well-supervised from the tables to the officiating.

Weigh-ins are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the tournament will begin at 2 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee and all contestants must sign a waiver. A parent must accompany anyone under 18.

There will be three divisions, men's right-hand, men's left-hand and women's right-hand. Within each division are different weight classes, from 0-175, 176-200 and over 200 for men's right; 0-185 and 186 and up for men's left; and 0-130, 131-175 and 176 up for women's.

Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third places in each weight class with double-elimination bracketing. This inaugural event is free to the public.