FORT KENT, Maine (AP) — The Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of Logger Fest 2026, a three-day celebration of the logging industry and the communities of the St. John Valley. The event will take place May 15–17 in downtown Fort Kent and at Lonesome Pine Trails.

Now in its second year, Logger Fest brings together loggers, truckers, families and visitors from across Maine and beyond for a weekend of logging competitions, live entertainment, family activities and community pride.

“Logger Fest is about so much more than a festival,” said Beth Marin, executive director of the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is a celebration of the men and women whose work has shaped this region for generations. The logging industry is the backbone of northern Maine, and Logger Fest is our community’s way of saying thank you.”

What to expect

Friday, May 15 begins with a free Logger’s Lunch at 11 a.m. at the Sly Brook Snow Rider’s Club, sponsored by NorState Federal Credit Union. The event will feature hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and beans at no cost to attendees.

The afternoon includes lumberjack and Jill competitions and vendor booths at Lonesome Pine Trails, followed by live entertainment and cornhole at JD’s Tavern. The evening concludes with the Light Parade at 8:30 p.m., traveling through downtown Fort Kent from Market Street to Rock’s Diner. Participants may line up at the Fort Kent Courthouse. All area businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate with lighted floats.  

Saturday, May 16 serves as the centerpiece of the weekend. Log loading and cable throwing competitions will take place at Lonesome Pine Trails, along with performances by the Axe Women of Maine and a state of the art Tigercat Simulator.  Vendor booths and food trucks will be available throughout the day. 

In the afternoon, the Logger Fest street party will take place on Main Street near JD’s Tavern. Activities include arm wrestling, tug of war, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting and live music. Fireworks will conclude the evening.

Sunday, May 17 begins with the Logger’s Breakfast at Rock’s Diner starting at 6 a.m. The buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries and French toast sticks. Pricing is $9.95 for adults and $6.95 for children ages 12 and under.

The day continues with the Loggerfest Golf Tournament at Fort Kent Golf Club. The four-person scramble is open to all skill levels at a cost of $240 per team.

The tournament is designed to create a meaningful impact that extends beyond the course. Proceeds will be reinvested locally to support the Forestry Operations and Heavy Equipment programs at the St. John Valley Technical Center. These programs help prepare students for careers in industries that are essential to the regional economy.

In a region where logging and forestry have shaped both the landscape and livelihoods for generations, the investment supports continued workforce development. It provides students with access to training, tools and real-world experience needed to pursue careers close to home.

By aligning community support with workforce development, the tournament strengthens connections between education, industry and local business.

Golf registration closes May 1 at fortkentgolfclub.org/loggerfest-tourney.

A community event with regional impact

Logger Fest is supported by sponsors and volunteers representing the logging industry, regional businesses and the broader Aroostook County community. Logger Fest 2026 is made possible through the generous support of regional businesses and industry leaders, including Acadia Federal Credit Union, Allegiance Trucks, Anderson Equipment, Aroostook Real Estate, C. Nadeau Logging, Cedar Springs Forestry, LLC, Chadwick-BaRoss, Chopper One, CR Logging, Cross Rock Logging, Daigle Oil Company, Dead Eye Trucking, Dead River Company, Deep Gash Trucking, Freightliner of Maine, Fort Kent Power Sports, Frank Martin & Sons Inc., Hannaford, Irving Woodlands, J. Guimond Logging, JCD/EMCO, JCG Logging, JNP Carpentry, JRS Firewood, Junction 19, Joe’s Country Store, John’s Shurfine, Katahdin Fire Company, Katahdin Trust Company, Ken L Electric, LandVest, Lee Pelletier Trucking, Lee Theriault, CPA, Long Lake Inn, M.L. Pelletier Trucking Inc., Milton CAT, NorState Federal Credit Union, Perley’s Logging, Plourde, Morneault & Dubay, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast, R. Ouellette & Son Logging Inc., Rib Truck, Seven Islands Land Company, Syl-Ver Logging, Taggettville Trucking, TNT Road Company, Town of St. Francis, Twin Rivers Paper Company, Two Rivers Lunch, United Construction, United Insurance, Varney Agency, Voisine Brothers and White Oak.

The logging industry employs thousands of workers across northern Maine. When related industries such as trucking, equipment operation and wood manufacturing are included, forestry plays a major role in the regional economy. Maine is the most forested state in the nation, with nearly 90% of its land covered by trees.

“Logger Fest exists to recognize the hardworking men and women of this industry and to celebrate an industry that continues to support our communities and shape our way of life,” said Lana Voisine, Logger Fest committee member and vice president of the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

About the Greater Fort Kent area

Located at the northern terminus of U.S. Route 1 and across the St. John River from Clair, New Brunswick, the Greater Fort Kent area features a strong Acadian culture and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, ATV riding, hunting and fishing.

The region is also home to the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the northernmost campus in the University of Maine System, which will celebrate its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of education and community service, in 2028.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the region during the festival. A visitor guide is available at fortkentchamber.com.

Event details

Event: Logger Fest 2026
Dates: May 15–17, 2026
Locations: Downtown Fort Kent and Lonesome Pine Trails
Admission: Free, with some activities priced separately
Golf registration deadline: May 1
Website: Home | LoggerFest
Email: fkloggerfest@gmail.com
Phone: 207-231-2630
Facebook: Logger Fest

Media inquiries

Members of the media may request press credentials, interviews and photos by contacting Macey Thibodeau at fkloggerfest@gmail.com or calling 207-231-2630

About the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce promotes and advances a healthy business environment through tourism, economic vitality, and community development while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the St. John Valley. The chamber serves Fort Kent, Eagle Lake, Winterville, Portage Lake, St. John, St. Francis, Allagash, Frenchville, St. Agatha, Sinclair, Cross Lake, and New Canada.

Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce 112 West Main Street, Suite 101 Fort Kent, Maine 04743 (207) 834-5354 fortkentchamber@gmail.com fortkentchamber.com