All hands on deck! Boat show celebrates 10 years in Lakeside
The Lakeside Antique & Classic Boat Show is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this weekend.
When it first began it was a one-day event that had between 15 and 20 boats and was held at the North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers, according to Alex Berry, executive director of the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation.
Put on by the Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Society, the show has grown to a two-day show that features between 30 and 35 boats from all over the U.S. and Canada, including Omaha, Nebraska; Dallas, Texas; British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Proceeds from the boat show go to support the educational endeavors of the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2012 that partners with the boat society to run the annual show.
What to See
The Line-up (static and in the water)
Builders represented in this year’s line-up include Stan Craft, Chris Craft, Lyman, Pen Yan, Switzer Craft, Fish Brothers, Century, Curly Craft as well as a number of owner-built crafts.
17th Century
Pirate Ship Replica
For the young mariner, there will be a custom-built 25-foot replica of a three-masted frigate decked out as a pirate ship. Capt. Dan from Sandpoint, Idaho, will call Lakeside his port of call this weekend in his home-built ship.
Ship Model
Building
Back by popular demand: Model boat building for young children. This family program, held at the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation show tent, will be offered from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday during the boat show. Model building will be limited to the first 10 participants on each day.
Wood Boat Restoration Projects
The 18-foot Old Town Cedar Strip Canoe that is currently in the foundation’s restoration program will be on display at the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation tent.
Mini-Ice Sailing Boat Built by Lakeside World Champion Boat Builder
Come by the foundation tent area and meet John Eisenlohr, world champion land sailor and see his new, innovate mini-ice sailboat.
Remote Control Model Sailboat Display
Several remote-control models will be on display at the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation show tent. These models are scheduled for the 2015-2016 educational program.
Dragon Boat
Display
The Montana Dragon Boat Race has changed its venue to Lakeside beginning this year. The public is invited to view these 40-foot boats up close and learn how to participate in the upcoming races.
Meet Boat Show Poster Artist
Herb McAllister, creator of the Boat Show posters, will be on hand to sign posters. His new Flathead Lake poster identifying the locations of early steamboats that went down in and around the Lake will also be on display.
If you’re going
The Boat Show will be held Aug. 8-9, 2015 in Lakeside. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual wooden boat parade gets underway Sunday at 3 p.m. All events and admission are free. For more information, contact Alex Berry. Call 406-471-2293 or email alex.b@montanawoodenboatfoundation.org