ESPN TIMBERSPORTS

LEHI, Utah — With a backdrop of more than two million flowers framed by the snowcapped Wasatch peaks, Thanksgiving Point will welcome athletes from around the world for the 23rd season of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, June 6-7, as part of the Wild Outdoor Festival.

The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS series will bring together professional athletes from around the world to compete in eight traditional lumberjack disciplines, including the single buck, stock and hot saw, underhand, standing and springboard chops, speed climbing and boom running. ESPN2 will broadcast four 30-minute programs of this event later in the year.

"STIHL and ESPN are always looking for unique and exciting venues to play host to our competition, and we believe we have found one in Lehi, Utah at Thanksgiving Point," said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager, STIHL Inc. "The natural beauty, logistical support and overall enthusiasm of the people here in Utah Valley make this an ideal location, and we are looking forward to bringing the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Pro Series and the very best in lumberjack sports to the Utah fans."

The event provides head-to-head competition with competitors facing off over a two-day period. Each day's events will determine the top lumberjacks moving on to the second round in Columbus, Ga.

"National and internationally televised sporting events like the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series are an important part of Utah's sports and promotional strategy," said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO, Utah Sports Commission. "We're excited this event will be hosted at another great venue like Thanksgiving Point, which will highlight the diversity and beauty of our state to millions of national and international television viewers."

Teamed with the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, Thanksgiving Point's Wild Outdoor Festival brings together the best of Utah's great outdoors. From bikes and BBQ to targets and trout, the Wild Outdoor Festival provides a hands-on experience of everything that can be done outdoors.

For more information about both events go to www.stihltimbersports.com and www.wildoutdoorsfestival.com