Antique and Classic Boat Show Returns to Skaneateles July 29-31
Old meets new at this year’s Antique and Classic Boat Show in Skaneateles, July 29-31, as watercraft dating back to the early 1900s nestle in the village’s newly installed community docks.
The show, featuring some 90 boats of a bygone era displayed on water and land, runs 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Clift Park. It is handicapped accessible; admission is free.
The event is organized by the Finger Lakes Chapter (FLC) of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (also known as the Skaneateles Foundation), and presented by M&T Bank. This is the Finger Lakes Chapter’s 38th annual show, and the 22nd year it has been held in Skaneateles.
More than 10,000 people attend the show each year. Exhibitors come not only from Central New York, but also from New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina and Canada. “Many travel hundreds of miles to get here, to afford others the opportunity to get up-close and personal with these grand old boats,” said FLC president Jack Gifford.
Among the boats on display will be mahogany runabouts from such legendary manufacturers as Chris-Craft, Hacker and Gar Wood, as well as launches, sailboats, canoes, rowing craft and race boats, many restored to their original condition. Visitors are invited to learn about the boats by reading the accompanying placards or talking with owners.
The show is the inaugural event for Skaneateles’ new ShoreMaster dock system, installed in May by Brinson Marine. The docks—longer, wider and more stable than their predecessors—were made possible by over 235 donations.
“The Finger Lakes Chapter and its individual members were wonderful partners throughout our entire dock campaign, helping to make the docks a reality,” said Tara Lynn, executive director of the Skaneateles Foundation. “We thank them for their financial contributions and overall support.”
Noting that the show has become an annual tradition for exhibitors, families and visitors, Lynn said, “Skaneateles is delighted to once again play host. The boat parade, free concerts and children’s activities—set against the backdrop of the village’s fine boutiques, galleries and restaurants—offer something for everyone.”
Judging of the boats, in 35 categories, takes place Saturday morning. Throughout the weekend, visitors to the show will cast their votes for the highly coveted People's Choice Award, sponsored by Doug’s Fish Fry, which will be presented at 2:45 p.m. Sunday.
Highlights of the weekend include:
• A boat parade and fly-by, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Performances by the Skaneateles Community Band, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday; jazz duo Diana Jacobs and Mark Chitambar, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday; and the Soda Ash Six, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
• A display of antique model boats by the Syracuse Model Boat Club, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• A youth judging competition, sponsored by Hagerty Classic Marine Insurance to “spark kids’ passion for wooden boats,” 10 a.m. Saturday.
• Opportunities for children to paint their own wooden boats, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
• Knot-tying demonstrations by the Sea Scouts, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Guided tours by the Skaneateles Historical Society, starting at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Historical Society.
• A photo-shoot and spectator cruise aboard the Judge Ben Wiles, 10 a.m. Sunday. The Judge will leave from the Mid-Lakes Navigation dock in Clift Park and make a slow tour of the north end of Skaneateles Lake, while exhibiting boats make random passes and provide opportunities for action shots. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children under 13 accompanied by an adult. Coffee and pastries will be available; no reservations are necessary.
• Raffle drawings at 2 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s poster was developed from an oil painting by Elaine Sherwood Jakubowski, of Brighton, N.Y., an exhibitor at the show with her husband, Michael, and daughter, Blythe, since 2000, but a painter for just three years. This is the second painting she has created for the show. Titled “Southern End,” it depicts the graceful hills surrounding Skaneateles Lake—“with a bit of artistic license,” she said.
The painting can be viewed at the show’s tent in Clift Park. It will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the FLC and the Skaneateles Foundation.
Posters are $10 and are on sale at the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, 22 Jordan St., and at the show.
The Antique and Classic Boat Show is officially sponsored by M&T Bank. Contributing sponsors are Brinson Marine, ShoreMaster, Summit Auto, Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Sammut Wealth Management, the Sherwood Inn, Doug’s Fish Fry, Jacobs Press, Pioneer Companies, Skaneateles Town Square/Ace Hardware, The Sailboat Shop, Adams & Son Inc., Blue Water Grill, cate&sally, Janice M. Miller, Architect, Johnny Angel’s Heavenly Burgers, Mid-Lakes Navigation, Realty USA, Smiles of Skaneateles, Tops Friendly Markets and Wirth’s Automotive Services. Media sponsors are Group M Communications and WRVO Public Media.
For more information, go to http://www.skaneateles.com or call the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at (315) 685-0552.
