Master Chain Saw Carvers Race Against Time and Each Other Under Sea of Balloons To Raise Wishes for Kids.

The 5th Annual ECHO Chain Saw Carving Championship is returning to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® in New Mexico October 2-4 to carve for the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. And theres a new twist. This year the Championship pits the highly competitive ECHO Carving Team against the clock and each other.

Mike Bihlmaier (Marengo,IL), Mark Colp (Lakeport, CA), Jason Emmons (Branchville, IN), and Bob King ( Edgewood, WA) have appeared as members of ECHOs national carving team since 2005 when ECHO first formed the team. The company started the ECHO Carving Series and Championship the same year.

This years championship showcases the ECHO team members to see who will be judged as the superior carver. The four professional carvers will compete for cash prizes and the prestigious ECHO Carving Cup. They have 22 hours to produce masterpiece sculptures under the theme: The Great American Southwest.

On Sunday, October 4th the sculptures will be judged and then auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico. The Foundation grants wishes to children who have a life threatening medical condition. Last years auction raised $34,700 for the Foundation, granting wishes to seven children.

Video footage will be captured while the event progresses beginning Friday evening, October 2... become a "fan" to receive notices when new footage is posted.

Links:
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®:
www.balloonfiesta.com/

Make-a-Wish® Foundation of New Mexico:
www.wishnm.org/

ECHO Carving Team:
www.echo-usa.com/carvingteam/index.asp

Echo, Incorporated:
www.echo-usa.com/