Collier Park celebrates logging history
A row of log trucks are showcased by the Friends of Collier Park on August 19. The trucks were part of a log truck show and loggers breakfast in Chiloquin. (Image: Garrett Steensland)
Keith-o Scott in front of his 1957 self-restored logging truck. (Image: Garrett Steensland)
CHILOQUIN, Ore. - Upon entry into the Collier Logging Museum, the rustic sounds and classic smells of old diesel engines filled the air as the annual log truck show had taken over the park. Visitors were greeted with a beautiful row of historic logging trucks just inside the gate. Walking deeper into the park, the atmosphere transitioned from the rumble of diesel to the pleasant melodies of live music and the nostalgic smell of breakfast.
“A logger’s breakfast and a logging truck show is an excellent way to bring people to the park,” mentioned Chris Wampler, a 4th generation logger who grew up in the area. The group he helps run, Friends of Collier Park, is all about finding different ways to help bring additional funding and attraction to the State Park.
“The group uses events like this one to help fund the much-needed projects that the state won’t support themselves,” added Wampler.
Trisha Daniel and Ron Collins provide a soothing melody to the event. (Image: Garrett Steensland)
Friends of Collier Park helped pay for the restoration of one of the park’s two historic McGiffert Log Loaders. Equipment that was damaged by the devastating 242 Fire in 2020. The group also plans to help purchase and build a large shop building on park property. The structure will be crucial for safely storing sensitive paper artifacts and will provide a dry location to work on equipment during the wet winter months.
The logger’s breakfast and logging truck show were held as separate events in prior years. This past weekend was the first year that those became one, and the result was spectacular.
People were seen spread throughout the museums’ grounds. Visitors viewed old equipment while nodding to the familiar tunes sung live by a local duo, Trisha Daniel and Ron Collins. A scavenger hunt kept children busy in the park, meandering through the grounds, looking for various objectives. All in hopes of earning a prize offered by the park. Families Sat on the many picnic benches, casually chatting and eating their hearty breakfast.
Friends of Collier plans to either help or host a series of upcoming events. Including a poker run for side-by-sides & 4-wheelers, a living history day on Father’s Day, and the next logger’s breakfast and truck show next summer.
