Classic boats cruise on Whitefish Lake this weekend

Forty-five wooden boats are expected to be on display at Whitefish Lake for the annual Whitefish Woody Weekend June 28-30.  

Now in its 12th year, the premier classic boat show is presented by The Big Sky Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and hosted by The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Events are free and open to the public.  

On June 28, events include Live Music at the Tiki Bar at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake from 6-9 p.m. and a Wooden Boat Parade on the Lake from 8-10 p.m. Then on June 29, viewing of the boats at the lodge marina takes place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.  

On June 29, a poker run takes place on the lake at 9:30 a.m.  

The show includes classic wooden boats from 1928 to the present on display.   

Some come to the boat show to relive childhood memories from a time when these boats were common on Montana lakes.  Some come just to admire the beautiful lines and details that reflect so many hours and skill in the achievement of the restoration of these classic craft. The gathering includes a variety of classic boat manufacturers including Chris Craft, Century, Hacker-Craft and Garwood. 

For those who wish to find out more about the hobby of wooden or classic boats, along with the opportunity for direct conversation with the show exhibitors, there will be additional information available at the table at the entrance to the docks.  

The public is invited to vote for their favorite boat to determine the People’s Choice Award winner.  There will be drawings throughout the day for public boat rides on one of the classic beauties.   

Along with boats from the Flathead Valley, this year Whitefish Woody Weekend XII has attracted participants from other states including Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii and California.