A town divided at the historic Bohemia Mining Days festival

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. -- A feud pits people from the West side of town against the East side at the 53rd annual Bohemia Mining Days festival in Cottage Grove. 

Bohemia Mining Days is a festival and carnival that celebrates the rich history of the region,started in 1959 on the centennial of Oregon statehood.

This year's Bohemia Mining Days festival theme of "the feud" plays into the history of Cottage Grove. At one time the river that runs through Cottage Grove divided the city into two parts; Slabtown on the west and Lemati on the east.

Attendees from out of town are also encouraged to pick a side when participating in contests like wheelbarrow racing, pie eating, tug-of-war ... even a beard competition! Each victory awards points to either Slabtown or Lemati.

The all-day events started Thursday and will conclude Sunday by awarding a trophy to the victorious side in the feud.

Nore information about "the feud" and a schedule of events can be found on the BMD festival's website.

IF YOU GO: send your photos to KVAL.com to share with the community and add to the photo gallery!