Canadians Potentially Shut Out of AWFS Competition

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) has changed the eligibility criteria for its Fresh Wood competition.

The biennial event is now only open to high school and post-secondary students from the United States, marking a departure from previous years when Canadian students were allowed to participate.

According to AWFS executive vice-president Angelo Gangone, the decision to limit entries to U.S. students stems from the rising costs associated with shipping competition pieces from Canada. Historically, the association has covered the full expense of transporting student projects to the event but this has become economically unsustainable.

“We are now offering schools the opportunity to cover the shipping expense so that Canadian students may still participate,” says Gangone. “Additionally, we are exploring options such as having students transport their pieces to a U.S. location, where AWFS would then assume the shipping costs.”

The competition’s new eligibility requirements highlight the need for greater support in Canada for emerging woodworking professionals. Canadian students have demonstrated exceptional talent in past Fresh Wood competitions, which showcase the creativity, skills and craftsmanship of emerging woodworking professionals. Ensuring Canadians have access to similar opportunities at home could help maintain and grow their presence on the international stage.

The 2025 Fresh Wood competition will be held during the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, July 22-25, the