SKANEATELES — The Skaneateles community and its lake are nearly synonymous with boats.
From the many boats that can be found around the lake and at the community docks, to the boats that come from near and far to spend a day on the lake, to the anchor logo used by the school to the rich history of boat making that can be found at The Creamery, boats and Skaneateles do seem to go hand in hand.
And for many years the Antique and Classic Boat Show, organized in conjunction with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented by M&T Bank, has been something many people have looked forward to and enjoyed every summer.
The popular event is set to return July 29 to 31.
In 2021, Dick Sherwood of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, who has been involved with the show for many years, reflected on the history of that show and the way it has grown over the years.
While the show has a long history, it moved around a bit in its earlier years before coming to call Skaneateles home.
The show went everywhere from Cayuga Lake to Oswego Harbor and all points in between before settling in Skaneateles.
Sherwood said it was a combination of factors that brought the show and Skaneateles together for such a successful show.
“Everyone was so supportive of this,” Sherwood said. “The chamber of commerce was so supportive of this going back to Sue Dove and even before Sue to Bill Murphy and Barbara Spain. Sue Dove, Tara Lynn and now Hilary Fenner, have been very supportive of this show. They saw this idea and worked with the village fathers and were very supportive of this idea. They saw that it was good and brings good people to visit the village and visit the shops and support the community.”
Sherwood went on to say the continued success of the show has a lot to do with the way it has been embraced by the community and businesses of Skaneateles.
Numerous businesses serve as supporters of the show.
“We couldn’t do it without their support,” Sherwood said.
Skaneateles is a unique community even among the communities of the Finger Lakes.
With the village built around the lake, there is easy access to the water.
And with many shops and eateries, there are many attractions that draw people to Skaneateles.
Sherwood said in no small part these were also reasons the boat show looked to work with the Skaneateles community all those years ago.
The show even helped get the community docks in place.
When the show first came to Skaneateles the community docks were not in place, but after the boat show proved successful the docks wee put in place and upgraded with a state of the art system a few years ago.
These docks see a lot of use throughout the boating season.
Sherwood said this new dock system is a big draw for those who bring their boats to the show and spectators alike, giving viewers a chance to get an up-close look at many of the classic boats.
“We are happy to be here,” Sherwood said. “This is a great event. We’re happy to see it still going after all these years.”
And according to Fenner, the Skaneateles community is glad to welcome the boats, their owners and the crowds that come to view them again this year.
“Skaneateles is delighted to host this show, which has become an annual tradition for exhibitors and visitors alike,” Fenner said. “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.”
Like many other events over the past few years, the boat show had to adapt to the realities of COVID-19.
This led to a virtual event in 2020 and a return to something closer to normal in 2021.
Being an outdoor event, heading into the 2022 iteration of the show, organizers feel comfortable that it will be a safe and enjoyable event for all.
And there will be plenty to see and take part in.
According to organizers, a 15-foot 1932 Chris-Craft Model 300 is coming as well as a 1955 Penn Yan Sealiner. And a 1955 Wagemaker Wolverine that hasn’t been afloat in a decade.
They and dozens of other dazzling midcentury boats will be on display at Skaneateles’ 44th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show July 29-31.
The show, in Clift Park and the hours are 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Visitors will enjoy learning about—and meeting the owners of—some 90 runabouts, launches, sailboats, canoes, rowing craft and race boats, many restored to their original condition.
“The show offers non-stop splendor, set against the backdrop of Skaneateles’ fine boutiques, galleries and restaurants,” says Hilary Fenner, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Highlights of the weekend include:
A boat parade and fly-by, led by the Skaneateles Fire Department, starting at 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
Performances by the Skaneateles Community Band, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday; the Diana Jacobs Band, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday; and the Soda Ash Six, noon to 2 p.m. Sunday.
A display of model antique 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,” 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Opportunities for children to paint toy wooden boats, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
A knot-tying demonstration, 11 a.m. Saturday.
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.
Raffle drawings, 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Judging of the boats, in 35 categories, takes place Saturday morning. Throughout the weekend, visitors will cast their votes for the highly coveted People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Doug’s Fish Fry, which will be presented at 1:45 p.m. Sunday.
M&T Bank is the show’s presenting sponsor. Contributing sponsors are the Sherwood Inn, Beak & Skiff/1911, Brinson Marine, Doug’s Fish Fry, Finger Lakes Insurance Agency, Hagerty, Katz’s Marina, White & White Antiques, Chase Design, Good Eats & Sips, Jacobs Press, Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Skaneateles Suites, Skaneateles Town Square, Amber Spain-Mosher (Realtor, RE/MAX Masters), Blue Water Grill, Finger Lakes ENT & Skin Oncology, Gilda’s, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Janice M. Miller, Architect, Mid-Lakes Navigation, SECNY, Stroll Skaneateles, Tops Friendly Markets, Valentine’s Pizza & Deli and Wirth’s Automotive. Media sponsors are The Citizen, Group M Communications and WRVO Public Media.
The show is handicapped-accessible.
For more information, go to skaneateles.com or call the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 315-685-0552.
