Fort Simpson (Mar 18/05) - There is a certain art to chopping wood that is completely lost on most people who grew up surrounded by more concrete that trees.

But the perfect technique was on display Sunday afternoon in Fort Simpson where dozens of participants split logs, hammered nails and sheared logs during a traditional games extravaganza.

Aaron McNab cuts through a log during a traditional games competition. - Andrew Raven/NNSL photo

"You have to cut strait along with the knot. And you want to hit the log right in the middle," said Betty Anne Betsedea moments after winning the wood chopping competition.

The Willow River native quartered a half-meter wide log in less than 15 seconds amid cheers from the crowd.

Bestedea's two sisters, Albertine and Jacinthe, also participated in the event.

"We grew up in the bush, so we have done this before," said Betty Anne.

But for some of the entrants, like six-year-old Kendra Sibbeston, the experience was a new one.

"I've never done something like this before," she said after sawing through a small tree.

"It was fun."

Some of the contestants also got some friendly ribbing from the crowd. Aaron McNab spent nearly 15 minutes labouring on a log with rusty, old saw that would have had a hard time cutting through butter.

When a red-faced and exhausted McNab finished the epic cut he threw up his hands to the cheers of the crowd.

"Finally," he gasped.

The traditional games marked the end of Beavertail Jamboree, the largest spring time carnival in the Deh Cho region.

Roughly 30 men, women and children took part in the showcase. Cash prizes were awarded for the top three finishers in each category.