Carving out time for the Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen's Show

Marina Cole picks up her chainsaw andgets to work.

She is not cutting logs, but transforming them into art.

Cole is among the variedcast of interesting characters appearing at theEdmonton Boat and Sportsmen's Show this weekend.

Long a wood carver, she had never used a chainsawuntil last year's show, whereshe met the demonstration chainsaw carver and decided to give it a try.

"I had to gather my nerve in order to use it," Cole said. "It's been awesome. I love it and I wouldn't turn back."

A year later, shehas returned to demonstrate her own work. Surrounded by her latest creations, she will becarving all day, but said she's happy to take breaks to talk to bystanders.

"I just hope to inspire young kids and other women to pick up achainsawand to try their hand at carving," Cole said.

"I never thought that I would be here, either, and I just keep doing it. And somehow, I amhere and going to be travelling around. So follow your heart."

The show at the EdmontonExpo Centre this weekend is the biggest inWestern Canada, with 40,000 expected to attend.

The doors opened Thursday as onlookers and shoppers filled the halls to check out outdoor gear from boats, trailers, quads and campers, to fishingand hunting gear.

"The energy in the building is just awesome," said ClaudioOngaro, spokesperson for the show.

"There are over 250 exhibitors at the show, so lots to see, lots of people to talk to. They are all so passionate about the industry."

The show will also hostoutdoor demonstrations and discussions, including a round table on the latest in Bigfoot research, acatch-and-release trout pond for kids, and birds of prey for petting.

"We've got birds on our arms all day long," said Colin Weir with the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre.

While the crowdsgive the handlers an aura of celebrity, the job isnot always glamorous, he said.

"A lot of times we are on our hands and knees cleaning up bird poop. But it is a really fun experience to be here."

More than boats and fishing at the Boat & Sportsmens Show

8 years ago

Duration 0:42

The Edmonton Boat & Sportsmens Show helps people gear up for a spring out in the wild. The show is about everything outdoors, according to show spokesperson Claudio Ongaro. Colin Weir of the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre talks about showcasing live birds at the show, while chainsaw artist Marina Cole shows off her skills.