Author: Brian Dykeman

Cooke Aquaculture has offered a $1500 purchase award for a male Ringed Neck Pheasant of any size and any type of carving.

The following list is current as of May 10, 2026. Any additions will be added to this post when available

Snowy Owl (any size) – JD Irving Ltd. purchase award for $1500

A Pair of Olive Sided Flycatchers – JD Irving Ltd purchase award for $1500. These flycatchers are seen as an indicator species of a healthy forest.

Male Ringed Neck Pheasant (any size)- Cooke Aquaculture purchase award for $1500.

Santa – An 8″ carving with animated open eyes. Susan Lister purchase award for $300

Any Whale – NBWA purchase award for $350, to be used as the raffle carving in 2027

In 2026 there will be 2 theme competitions. All entries will be judged in their regular level and category before being judged as a theme carving.

2026 General Theme:

Next year’s general theme will be Swimming. All categories of carving are welcome for this competition.

2026 Bird Theme:

Any Waxwing.  Waxwings under any carving category will be eligible.

Doug and Anne Johnson are kindly donating a $100 prize at all levels (Youth through Masters) to a New Brunswick carver for a carving that has not won any other award in the current competition. Judging is done by our show judges.

Dennis Ferguson Award for Overall Peoples Choice

This year the Overall Peoples Choice was a tie

Peoples choice winners at all Levels

Puffin Theme Winners

Pairs Theme Winners

Best in Show – Masters

Best in Show – Advanced

Best in Show – Intermediate

Best in Show – Novice

Best in Show – Youth

Thank you to all sponsors of the 2025 purchase award competitions. They are exciting part of the Competition, drawing carvers from near and far.

The JD Irving Ltd award for Three Red Knots was won by Glen McMurdo from Ontario

The JD Irving Ltd award for a Bald Eagle was won by Maurice Isnor from Nova Scotia

The BID Canada Ltd award for a Brook Trout was won by Aaron Brophy from New Brunswick

The Picket Fence Motel award for a Santa was won by Wayne Arrowsmith from New Brunswick

Doug and Anne Johnson are kindly donating a $100 prize at all levels (Youth through Masters) to a New Brunswick carver for a carving that has not won any other award in the current competition. Judging will be done by our show judges. This prize will be awarded for the next 5 years, starting this year. Doug is a past NBWA President. Anne and Doug have both been tireless volunteers for the NBWA for many years. Thanks so much Doug and Anne!

Time: Sunday, August 10^th, 10:00 – 12:00 (noon)

Location: Sir James Dunn Academy

Cost: Free

This handcarving competition is sponsored by KV Woodcarving Supplies. KV supplies the wood cutouts and a pattern. Competitors are challenged to handcarve their piece using the pattern as a guide. Carvers need to bring their own handcarving tool(s). KV will award a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prize.

Registration: Open to all carvers. The competition can accommodate 10 carvers. Register on-site prior to competition on August 10^th.