EASTERN DEAF TIMBERFEST, INC. (Established in 1994)
(Sponsored by 501(c)(3) non-profit organization)

This story is given by the co-founders Bruce Hubbard and Ron Markel of how the EDT was formed.

 

After Bruce flew to Oregon for 10th Annual World Deaf Timberfest during 1991 Labor Day Weekend, he met Ron Markel during one of the Interstate Association of the Deaf (IAD) Dingo Night and Bruce talked about timberfest there that he learned a lot and wanted to have our own one since he knew that Ron is working for his own business of lumber. Ron did talk about to establish one because he had been gone to watch hearing professional lumberjack once in a while. Ron did discuss with Barry Jones who worked with him about having our own one.

After Ron's family, the Markel families, Barry Jones' family, Bruce's family, and some of IAD friends

 

Deaf Nation Expo in Greensboro, North Carolina

On April 1, 2006, Bruce Hubbard, Ron Markel, Allen Markel and Lois Markel were on the road to Deaf Nation Expo to have our EDT Booth. We enjoyed every moment and learned a lot. We explained fans about our history - Deaf Timbersport and Family/Youth Camp, Game Rules and etc., showing them all about our exciting events.

We had three big standing folders with pictures about our Lumberjack from 1994 to 2004, Family/Youth Camp from 1997 to 2005 and our 2006 Timbersport.  Most of them never heard about our 501-c-3 non-organization and our events.  Some of them had heard via TV (ESPN) about lumberjack events which were hosted by hearing people.  We were trying to educate them about outdoor activities and camping along with Timbersport and Family/Youth and also told them that we can do anything but hear.  We were trying to tell them to join with us and was true enough that some of them came to our 8th Timbersport.