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Log rolling competition joins a growing list of attractions at The Lake in Luverne Monday for the Fourth of July holiday.
A 12-foot long, 65-pound man-made log was delivered to Luverne’s indoor pool Wednesday, June 22, for training and practice.
After it was filled with water, the polyethylene log weighed 500 hundred pounds, not unlike one that would be used in Olympic log rolling competition.
Carole McNaughton-Commers, a trainer with the Key Log Rolling, Golden Valley, addressed pool staff and interested July 4 volunteers at the pool.
“It’s not as easy at it looks,” she said. “It’s all about controlling your body weight.”
The family-owned company manufactures the patented logs initially for log rolling athletes training for competition.
“Not everyone has access to a 500-pound cedar log,” said Commers.
Now she said the log has become popular for summer camps, exercise programs, community events and for other applications.
The $2,500 plastic log was purchased by the CVB ($1,500) and Sanford ($500) and the city pool ($500).
It will be stored at the pool and will be available for rent to private parties throughout the year (except the July 4 holiday).
Those interested in competing in Monday’s log rolling event are encouraged to come to the 10 a.m. practice session at The Lake.
In addition to fireworks, the Fourth of July celebration in Luverne will include a water parade, log rolling contest, triathlon, bean bag tournament, sand castle contest, live music, face painting, food and beer vendors, and more.
See the full-page ad on page 8B for complete information.
Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere said Luverne's Fourth of July celebration has been a “groundswell” effort.
“The ideas, thoughts and energy to put the day's events together have come from a great group of volunteers who developed and came up with the plan for a full day's worth of entertainment at The Lake,” she said.
The all-day event is free and open to the public, thanks to donations from individuals and local sponsors.
To support the cause, tax-deductible donations can be made to the Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow at 213 E. Luverne St., Luverne, MN 56156.
See the Luverne Area Chamber website, luvernechamber.com.