12th Annual Wooden Boat Show Set for Saturday

The 12th annual Wooden Boat Show is scheduled at Presque Isle Harbor Marina from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday. Registration and launching of the boats will be from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The opening ceremony, with invocation and blessing of the fleet, will take place at 10 a.m. assisted by VFW Post 607 of Rogers City. According to James Norris, this year?s chairman of the event, the Wooden Boat Show attracts enthusiasts from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Canada. He noted that last year the show drew a crowd of more than 4,000 people to view 38 water vessels. This year, about 50 boats are expected to be on display.

In addition to the wooden boats, a number of model boats will be featured. Some of the models are radio-controlled boats with high performance motors and are used for racing. Another model boat on display will be ?The Mackinac? belonging to Robert Schafer, president of the Mackinaw Tall Ship Company. This model is a replica of an actual schooner that will be built in Mackinaw City starting in the spring of next year.

Schafer has hired Harold Burnham, an 11th generation boat builder, to design and build the ship. The Mackinac will be constructed using many of the same skills and techniques as the original Great Lakes schooners. Local artist Bob Young has rendered a special limited edition print for this year?s show. These limited edition prints are signed by the artist and will be available for purchase at the show. This is a great opportunity for area residents to enjoy the fine workmanship and beauty of wooden boats. There is no admission charge. A raffle and judging of the entries will take place during the event.

At the show, visitors can mingle with the boat owners, view the model boats or browse the arts and crafts booths. Visitors also will be able to sample food and snacks prepared on site and they can visit the two historic Presque Isle lighthouses.