Sandy Chainsaw Artist Takes Aim at Guinness World Record During Forest Fest

By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times

Beginning June 5, the expansive lot behind Dick Hannah Ford will host the fourth annual Sandy Invitational Chainsaw Competition and Forest Festival. The yearly celebration draws attention to the work being done at Trajectory, a Sandy-based nonprofit that works to bridge the cultural divide between forestry conservation and the logging industry.

And what better way to get the public excited about that mission than with a celebration of the wild world of forestry? What began as a humble celebration of chainsaw sculpture has, in a short period of time, become a highly anticipated family outing as organizers have upped the ante with new attractions each year.

First came the chainsaw carvers (more than 20 can be seen plying their trade at this year’s event). Then timber sports were added. In 2026, there are more sports on display than ever, and cash prizes are being awarded to winners in every category. This year, there’s also an auction so some lucky attendees can walk away with their own chainsaw sculpture. Still, this year’s SICC Forest Fest has another trick up its sleeve.

They’re going for a Guinness World Record. What’s more, they’re going for the first Guinness World Record in a new category established this year.

Stumptown Carving owner and professional chainsaw artist Johnny Kimball will attempt to sculpt with his chainsaw for 24 hours straight. He’ll get a few minutes to take a load off each hour, but that’s it. “They were kind enough to give me a break of four minutes,” says Kimball. “I earn four minutes every hour that I carve.”

No naps. No sit-down meals. Just a man and his chainsaw, carving for an entire day and night. Kimball isn’t seeking fame for this feat of human endurance, and he’s not looking for a payout. Well, at least not for himself. The carver hopes the 24-hour carving marathon will draw people to the SICC Forest Festival and Trajectory’s homegrown cause.

“This year, instead of competing, I thought I could do the most good [with this record]. They could use this for publicity and then garner some interest for Trajectory.”

If you’re not familiar with Johnny Kimball or Stumptown Carving, then you’ve undoubtedly seen the artist’s work. His carvings can be found in prominent locations throughout the Hoodland area. The California artist began submitting his work to galleries at the age of thirteen. He spent time working as an artist for Lucky Brand Jeans. He worked as an in-house artist at an ad agency. Then, ten years ago, he moved to Mt. Hood in search of a slower pace.

He quickly found himself enamored of the culture and inspiration of the place and fell into one of the area’s most honored (and challenging) artistic expressions: chainsaw carving. “I didn't even know that chainsaw carving was an option. I grew up on the beach in California,” says Kimball.

Kimball has received steady work since his shop opened four years ago. To date, he’s carved eagles, dragons, and more than a few bears. Each work shows a care and attention to detail that’s exploded Kimball’s regional reputation.

For his Guinness World Record attempt, Kimball will carve a 10-foot gnome planting saplings. The enormous sculpture is a direct comment on the festival and the educational work being done at Trajectory. “I wanted something that would relate to forest conservation and would tie in to the festival. And, I like gnomes.”

Even though Kimball will stay up all night carving, he’s still scheduled more work for himself once the Guinness World Record people go home. Once his chainsaw-carving requirements are met, the artist will continue his all-nighter long enough to add fine details and sealant to the sculpture in time for it to be sold at auction on Sunday.

All the proceeds for the piece (and the auction at large) will go to fund Trajectory’s educational efforts. “Those profits will go toward Trajectory’s scholarship program. They give scholarships to kids and provide training and apprenticeships and all that for careers in forest-related industries.”

For his part, Kimball remains humble in the face of this unprecedented record attempt. “My thought was that doing it would bring people to the event. And, you know, it'd be good to do some good for the kids. So if that goes well and I'm able to get a few extra scholarships this year, then I'm happy to do it.”

Kimball has also started a GoFundMe to raise scholarship funds prior to the event.

Want to keep tabs on Kimball’s Guinness World Record Attempt? The whole thing will be livestreamed on the Dirt N’ Diesel YouTube page.