01/25/2026
We hope all had a fun and enjoyable time at 5th Annual Beaver Classic.
I want to thank all sponsors and participants again. We look forward to another great event next January.
I have rested 5 days now. I have some broken ribs that have made me have bedrest. I fell day of swag bags and loading prizes on snow covered ice. Then when I was at lake during setup I slipped on truck running board getting out and fell on back on the ice. Layed there helpless for 15 minutes. Cousin Al found me and got me up. I made it through 5 more days of event. Then to hospital Monday for the broken ribs news. Ugh.
I cant seem to catch a break.
So the good part of my post here. Ive been asked about the huge wood beaver at event.
Well his name is Chet.
I was on marketplace in September and seen a post. "6 foot tall wood Beaver".. And "free"... hmmm. So I clicked on it. Immediately told myself I need this. Not sure why, but I had to have it. I messaged seller immediately. 20 minutes later I get reply. You are 35th in line.
So my business mind kicked in. I messaged back with a very long reply. Explaining myself, Beaver Classic, and Michael Beaver Ulwelling. And then asked if $300 would move me up in line. 30 minutes later I get a message. Can I call you? So Tim calls me and tells me his 93 yr old parents are crying with my story and he must give to me. He said beaver is very old and in need of bad repairs. So I lined up the next morning to pickup. He said bring lots of help as it weighs over 1,000lbs with the base. I brought my bobcat on trailer and drove to Elko Minnesota. Tim told me in 1960 his dad and his brother cut down a 100 yr old Cottonwood tree in Excelsior forest in MN. This part of the tree was 30 feet in the air. The 1st branch was the tail. Crazy. Chet was given the Beaver in 1977 from his brother. He had it inside shop since. It didnt age well. So it sat in my shop for 3 months. Wondering what the hell am I gonna do with it? I looked at it everyday in my shop. Finally said Im gonna fix and refurbish the beaver. It had a giant hole where nose was. Rotton and missing lip. And a large hole by tail. After thinking hard I had ideas. I cut a red oak log 12" long x 6" diameter for nose. Got a bunch of wood repair items and started surgery. Took few days and I had Chet pressure washed, nose, lip, and tail repaired. Then just paint and urethane left. Was incredibly excited. So I called Tim(prev seller) and asked what his 92 yr old dads name. He said Chet. So I decided to name beaver after him. Then said im gonna bring to Beaver Classic. But base weighed 500 #. So my son Brodee helped remove 3-36" lag screws that held beaver to base. Installed new lighter base and casters. We wrapped it and put on trailer for the trip. It was a great hit as kids loved Chet as a backdrop for pictures. So it great to know the wood Chet the Beaver is made from is 165 yrs old. I am a very proud owner. Incredible showpiece I will cherish and share forever.
Tom Marks
Beaver Classic
