There’s a first-time addition to the Green Bay summer fun calendar, and it’s sure to make a splash.
The 17th annual Three Rivers Roleo will bring some of the country’s top professional log rollers to Duck Creek Quarry in Howard for a free event July 11-12. It’s the third time for the nationally recognized tournament in northeastern Wisconsin but the first time in Howard.
The competition will showcase the athleticism, footwork and balance of both pros and amateurs, with spectators invited to cheer them on at a site that was once home to a sawmill and highlights the sport’s deep Wisconsin roots.
Siblings and professional log rollers Jacob Rick and Katie Burke founded the Three Rivers Roleo in 2008 in their hometown of Onalaska. Burke, who lives in De Pere and also coaches log rolling at the West Side YMCA in Howard, still competes. Rick now emcees.
What time is all the action, and how does the competition work?
Amateurs compete at 4 p.m. July 11, and the pros battle it out from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m. July 12. It’s a bracket-style tournament with double elimination. Each match is the best three out of five. A roller must have the last sole of the foot in contact with the log, while a competitor is out of the water, three times to win the match.
Match times can vary greatly, anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes, with 2 to 4 minutes being the average, Burke said. Early rounds often go a little faster, and men’s matches tend to be slightly shorter than women’s.
Who will be competing?
This year’s roster features more than 20 of the country’s top professional log rollers from eight states, including as far away as New York, California and Connecticut. Reigning world champion Marcus Heineck will compete, as will former world champions Anthony Polentini, Tanner Hallett and Shana Verstegen.
Look for competitors from closer to home, too. Burke, who has been log rolling for 32 years, and Caleb Schloss, a rookie from Neenah, will both be competing in the professionals on July 12.
What is the spectator experience like at log rolling?
Burke encourages people to pick their favorite rollers so they can cheer them on. You can see who the competitors are and a little about each one by checking out the digital brackets at logroller.com.
“Matches are action-packed,” Burke said. “These athletes are working hard.”
Expect to see a lot of what is called “white water,” similar to the wake of a boat. That’s when things really get exciting.
“When the log gets spinning, the water turns white and that’s usually a great sign that’s something is going to happen. Someone is going to take a fall, meaning they’ll win one fall, putting them up on the scoreboard in the match,” Burke said.
Is it something the entire family can enjoy?
You bet. Whether you’re a history buff who can appreciate how it ties in with Green Bay’s paper mill industry that came from logging, an avid fan of logger sports or you just love the sound of a good splash on a hot summer day, the Three Rivers Roleo has a little something for all ages.
“This is just good outdoor family fun,” Burke said. “Something for the whole family to watch.”
There will also be live music and vendors selling food, snacks, beer and coffee.
How much does it cost to get in?
It’s free.
Do I need to bring my own chair?
There’s bleacher seating available, but spectators can also bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Is it rain or shine?
Yes. Delays for thunderstorms only.
Where should I park?
Duck Creek Quarry is located at 2140 Glendale Ave. in Howard. Free parking is available off Glendale.
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on X @KendraMeinert.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Top log rollers in the country are coming to Duck Creek Quarry. What to know about ‘action-packed’ family event
Reporting by Kendra Meinert, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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