Boating season makes a splash with Whitefish Woody Weekend

People are invited to view the classic beauty of wooden boats at the 11th annual Whitefish Woody Weekend.

The three-day event sets sail at 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, with a sunset cruise and boat parade at Whitefish Lake. At 6 p.m., gather at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake’s new tiki bar for an open house event with live music beginning to kick off the boat parade.

About 42 boats, some dating back to 1928, will be on display starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. A variety of classic boats manufactured by Chris Craft, Century, Hacker-Craft, and Garwood are expected to be on display.

On Sunday, June 25, the boats will be out on the lake for a morning poker run followed by a barbecue on the beach for event participants.

Boat rides for the public will be offered throughout the day and spectators are invited to vote on their favorite boat to determine the people’s choice award winner. Drawings will also be held.

The event, presented by the Big Sky Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, may bring to mind memories of when these boats were common on Montana lakes and offers an opportunity for people to learn more about the hobby of restoring and owning a wooden or classic boat from show exhibitors.

All boat activities are free and open to the public. With limited parking, free shuttle rides are available. People may park at any S.N.O.W bus stop to take the bus to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.