When several trees in the Craig City Park became diseased and were becoming hazardous, what could have been a blight in 1999 turned into an annual event that draws thousands and leaves a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

Tree stumps are now brought in each year for the event, which is so popular that it outgrew City Park and was moved in 2012 to Loudy-Simpson Park south of Craig, CO.

Whittle the Wood is fun for the whole family. The event begins on Wednesday and culminates with a community festival Saturday. Food and craft vendors fill the park and festival goers enjoy the quick carve competition, music, dancing and the chance to vote for their favorite carving. No dogs are allowed in the park during Whittle the Wood Rendezvous.

Each year the carvers compete in three categories and winners are awarded in:
Judge's Choice
People's Choice
Artist's Choice

In addition to Saturday's festivities, the morning kicks off with Friends of Moffat County Education's "Wake the Whittler" 5K Run and Fun Walk, the Bear River Young Life Car Show fills the streets of historic downtown Craig. In 2017 we added a whittle fun on the Yampa River by partnering with the Northwest Colorado Chapter of Parrotheads to host the Pirates of the Yampa River Race and Poker Run.

After a great 20 year run, Whittle the Wood's founding Director, Dave Pike retired in 2019. Our official 21st year in 2020 was a scratch with a Global Pandemic no less!
We are excited to continue the tradition with our new Parks & Rec Director Ryan Dennison and we are looking forward to many great years to come!