BOONVILLE- Mr. Steve Pfendler will lead this year’s Woodsmen’s Field Days Parade as the Grand Marshal.
He was born in Bonville, NY on June 11, 1952. He is the son of Fred & Norma (Henry) Pfendler. Steve’s father was a sawmill operator and owner of over 45 acres on Jackson Hill in Boonville, NY.
The Woodsmen’s parade is aimed to commence Saturday, August 22 at 12:00 noon, following its traditional route off from Church Street and onto Main Street before snaking around the downtown stoplight and up Ford Street to the fairgrounds.
Joining North Country News for one last quick update is Woodsmen’s spokesperson, Phyllis White, who shares more details regarding new events, signing up for the traditional beards contest, tug-of-war and greased pole climb (all in front of the Grandstand Friday evening, August 21) and pre-sale passes that are still available through Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Be sure to listen here:
Below is a full written piece on Parade Grand Marshal, Mr. Steve Pfendler:
“The Board of Directors of the New York State Woodsmen’s Field Days Corporation is proud to announce that the parade marshal for this year’s 79 TH NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days is Mr. Steve Pfendler of Boonville, NY.
Steve was born in Boonville, NY on June 11, 1952.
He is the son of Fred & Norma (Henry) Pfendler. Steve’s father was a sawmill operator and owner of over 45 acres on Jackson Hill in Boonville, NY. Steve’s love for the woods began as a youngster. He would be with his dad, Fred and Uncle Bob whenever they were in the woods and/or operating the family sawmill. When Steve was approximately 8 years old, he started to cut trees, hooked up the trees and eventually ran the dozer. His love of the industry was instilled in him through his dad and Uncle Bob.
In 1972, Steve married Cindy Muha of Boonville, NY. They have two children, Billy and Beth Ann.
Steve worked at Revere Copper & Brass in Rome, NY for a few years until he became employed by Eastern Rock where he spent 8 years jack hammering bridges. Steve went on to be a grade foreman for 25 years at Barrett Paving until his retirement. Throughout his working career he also spent much time producing lumber and firewood. Annually, he produces over 22 cord of firewood.
Steve’s 48 inch mill with inverted teeth has allowed him to single handedly saw over 40,000 board feet of lumber to date. Steve also purchases red pine poles from local mill, 3-B Timber Company of Boonville, NY and produces beautiful hand-hewn beams and lumber. His talent and craftsmanship is showcased in the Adirondack League Club’s properties in Old Forge, NY.
Not to mention all of the structures that his lumber and beams have been utilized in construction throughout the North Country Steve’s current project is rehabbing the popular area landmark, The Halfway House in Westernville, NY. This popular establishment has stood strong since the 1850’s alongside Route 46 in Westernville. Steve, along with his good friend, Ted Marsden, is working to bring beauty back to the each room.
An avid hunter for the “big bucks” hunting season is Steve’s favorite time of the year! Annually, he and his son Billy also lease a tract of land in Kansas and hunt together.
Steve enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife Cindy have 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Steve will lead the Woodsmen’s Parade on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 12 noon. The Woodsmen’s Corporation will present him with a plaque honoring him for his years of service to the forest industry.”
New York State Woodsmen’s Field Days image.
