The festival includes a log pile of Paul Bunyan-themed activities, Oktoberfest-themed food and drinks, flapjacks, karaoke, boating, a "best beard" competition, and, of course, lumberjack shows.

The L'Abbe family checks out the Paul Bunyan statue during a rest stop Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop.

The Brainerd junior won the 189-pound Paul Bunyan individual title for the hometown Warriors. Carlson won the title with a 6-3 decision over Foley’s Keagon Frisbie.