Portland Timbers supporters gather at Camp 18 ahead of the beginning of the season to bless the victory log from where the team mascot Timber Joey will be cutting slabs every time the team scores a goal at their home at Providence Park. With the unusual long road season due to the work on the stadium, the Blessing of the Log, was celebrated on May 19, a couple weeks, from the first home game of this 2019 season.
It is a popular family oriented event is being held at the popular restaurant is located near Elsie, OR, since 2008. Roughly 20 minutes from Cannon Beach, on the Oregon coast, Camp 18 is in the heart of the Oregon timber industry, the property has its own logging museum, and a memorial for fallen loggers.
After a breakfast and a bit of time for the fans to mingle, Timber Joey and former mascot Timber Jim, got the event started. It is worth saying that behind that “mascot” title, both Joey and Jim are loggers by trade. As they alternated as masters of ceremonies, they introduced invited speakers, and spoke about the coming home season, and the work happening in the community.
Jamey Hampton, from Hampton Lumber and one of the team’s sponsor, spoke about his local company, their sustainable environmental practices, and relationship with the community. Hampton Lumber harvest the tree that will turn into Portland’s most important piece of lumber.
Suzane Washington, CEO of the popular Meal on Wheels, received a donation of $4,241 from the group. The funds come from the sales of a “Meals on Wheels” fan scarf, part of Timber Jim’s “Spread the Love” initiative partnering with the 107st, and No Pitty Originals. This scarves sales help raise funds for a variety of organizations and causes from housing for the homeless, to education on developed countries. Suzane Washington thanked the organizers and spoke about the mission of her firm and its reach. She finished admitting to “never have gone to a Timbers game”, to what multiple fans offered to invite her as the home season is set to start this June 1st.
Timber Jim wrapped it up introducing his new scarf initiative set to raise funds for Anna and Abby’s Yard, at Rogers Park, a planned memorial playground for two Forest Grove sisters killed in a 2013 hit-and-run.
Following the breakfast, the speeches and presentations, everybody walked outside, surrounded the log, touching it, or touching somebody who was in contact with the lumber, and Timbers Army capo, Patch Adam Perryman said the old blessing, based on an old Irish wedding blessing (See below), ending in a big cheer “Go Timbers”. From there all who wished walked to the edge of the property for the no less traditional tree planting and visit to the museum grounds before concluding their visit.
Portland Timbers Blessing of the Log
May your home be strong of beam,
Firm of wall and rafter,
Built with Timbers from a dream,
Girded well with laughter.
May your home have a winding stair
With a lovers landing,
Windows to let in fresh air
With the light of understanding.
May your home have a roof of faith
For every change of weather
And love upon your hearth
To warm your years forever.
Go Timbers.”
