Hardwick Community Fair

This year’s fair will be dedicated in memory of Robert Sanderson, more affectionately known as “Bob” to his friends. If you can count yourself among them, you are a fortunate person, indeed.
Bob’s involvement in the Hardwick Fair spanned at least three decades. He was a valued member of the “Lumberjack Contest” team, more affectionately known in its own right as “The Saw Contest”. Bob wore many hats as a saw contest team member, helping to organize, set up, and break down; in his earliest years Bob acted as a line judge, and as Bill Ward, Sr., who ran the contest at the time, will tell you, “No one ever questioned Bob”.

More recently, as the running of the contest was passed on to the next generation, Bob took on the role as the “Official Timekeeper”. And as the now head of the saw contest Bill Ward, Jr. will tell you, his authority remained unquestioned. Though Bob enjoyed watching and ruling over the chainsaw portion of the event, his true love was the two-man Cross-Cut Saw contest. He purchased his own personal two-man saw; such was his love for the event. Bob cared for his saw meticulously and used it when he competed with his sons. For many years now, Bob and his son Eric have held the record in the cross-cut competition, cutting easily through the four-by-four timber in mere seconds, and in only four strokes. They set themselves apart to such a degree that the crosscut ribbons are now awarded in two categories: one for people competing with
personal saws, and one for those competing with the fair saw, which has a unique affection (and
reputation) of its own.
 

His health declining, Bob was no longer able to volunteer for the past few years and just days before the 2022 saw contest, Bob passed away. Bob’s assistance and his presence have been sorely missed at the Friday night lumberjack contest these past three years. They will be missed for many more years to come. His contribution and legacy live on in his sons and his family, who continue to volunteer, participate, and keep the traditions of this Friday night favorite alive. We thank Bob and honor him for his many years of community-minded service, as well as the gift of his time and talents to the Hardwick Fair.