La Crosse Open Logrolling tournament Saturday at Pettibone Park

Professional logrollers are coming to La Crosse this weekend for the 24th Annual La Crosse Open Logrolling tournament on Saturday.

More than 70 professionals from as far away as Alaska head to Pettibone Park for the tournament which has a $5,000 purse.

The event is free to attend.  

Organizer Livi Pappadopoulos, a six-time logrolling world champion herself, said that people who come watch the tournament will see athletes displaying strength, balance, and stamina on the logs.

To win, strategy plays a role. She compared it to a different sport when going against a competitor.

“It’s like a boxing match but you’re not allowed to touch the other person,” Pappadopoulos said. “You’re doing everything you can to spin the log one way or another, maybe sink their side of the log, outlast them if they start to get tired before you do. If you’re the bigger, stronger roller, throw a few more punches than they might. Either way, different strategies with different opponents.”

The best three of five wins the match.

The competition begins at 10:30 a.m. at the north end of the Pettibone Park lagoon.

Bleacher seating is available at the lagoon.

In addition, there’s a kids zone with family friendly games and activities.

While supplies last, there’s free brats and hot dogs and sweets.

Bottled water, iced tea, soda, and iced coffee is also available.