Skaneateles Boat Show
Sparkling water, gleaming classic mahogany boats and beautifully restored antique wooden boats, a feeling of yesteryear... Join us for the 30th annual Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show, to be held July 25 to 27 in Skaneateles’ beautiful Clift Park.
Boat owners begin arriving in Skaneateles on Friday morning. Half the boats in the show are docked in the water along the Skaneateles Village Pier; placards conveniently mounted on the railing provide information about each boat. The remaining boats are displayed in Clift Park along the water’s edge, where visitors can touch and appreciate them firsthand.
Many boats are mahogany runabouts manufactured by Chris Craft, Hacker and Garwood during the early 20th century. Other eye-catching vessels include launches, sailboats, canoes, rowing craft and race boats – many restored to their original condition. Antique inboard and outboard engines are frequently displayed by collectors and the Syracuse Model Boat Club will have boats on display.
The fun begins on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., when Navy Sea Scout Philip Gauthier announces the arrival of each exhibiting boat as it approaches the dock area by blowing his bosun’s whistle. Then enjoy live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. by the Skaneateles Community Band.
Saturday’s lineup includes the morning boat judging, with exhibitors entering their craft in 20 different categories. Visitors also have the opportunity to vote for the highly coveted “People’s Choice Award” sponsored by Doug’s Fish Fry. Children’s activities will be offered in the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and live music fills the air beginning at noon. The popular boat parade takes place Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m., with vessels “strutting their stuff” along the pier and sea wall before heading into the lake for a tour of its north end.
Sunday features guided tours of historic sites around Skaneateles by the Skaneateles Historical Society. Tours are approximately 45 minutes long and depart from the Clift Park gazebo at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Cost is $10 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Historical Society. The Soda Ash Six will entertain from noon to 3 p.m.
Make this year’s event one to remember with the Antique and Classic Boat Show commemorative poster. Only $8, the souvenir is on sale at the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce (22 Jordan St.), Mid-Lakes Navigation (11 Jordan St.) and First National Gifts (2 E. Genesee St.), as well as online at www.skaneateles.com.
The Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show is organized by the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. For general Boat Show information, contact the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at (315) 685-0552. For exhibitor information, contact Dick Sherwood at (585) 734-1420 or Jack Miller at (607) 227-9866.