That festive time of the year is fast approaching folks. I'm talking about the July 4th celebration of this country's birthday. The anniversary of our independence. Let's face it, no one does it across the nation quite like we do in the Portage Lakes. There's the boat parade, the gigantic fireworks display out over the waters of Turkeyfoot Lake, this year the newly added festival of boat lights and it all starts with the Antique and Classic Boat Show this weekend.
More than any of these activities, this Antique Boat Show, originally a part of the boat parade, has now come into its own. Now in its 34th year, this show, one of the longest running in Ohio is sponsored once again by the North Coast Ohio Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) and the Portage Lakes Historical Society (PLHS).
It all begins this Saturday, June 27, at the Hook, Line and Drinkers Restaurant and the Old Harbor Inn on Portage Lakes Drive in Coventry Township. Together, these two long established restaurants will be donating 55 boat slips for the show and will provide outside tables to purchase and enjoy refreshments and eats.
Last year's show featured 42 boats from Ohio, Indiana, Virginia and Pennsylvania and this single day event was viewed by more than 3,000 spectators. Awards went to 19 of these great boats including two sanctioned by national organizations. While most of the boats are of wooden construction and originate from the 1950s and '60s, there were several from the 1920s, '30s and '40s. Another class growing in popularity is the Fiber-Classic or Fiberglass constructed boats.
There were boats in attendance last year from this category from the 1970s as well.
Of special note is the revolving trophy dedicated to the memory of Ned Mohrman, a legend in the history of Portage Lakes boating. Ned was responsible for the formation of several boating organizations, racing events, was a marina owner and a friend of everyone who ever met him. A "lakes" historian in his own right, Ned would spin stories for hours of escapades on the lakes.
This award in his memory is presented on behalf of the Portage Lakes Historical Society to the entrant of the best boat from Portage Lakes judged by the PLHS and the ACBS.
Most of the boats make up a cross section of the boating population many of us grew up with here in the Portage Lakes. Chris Crafts, Lymans, Centurys and outboards of several manufacturers fill the boat slips from one end to the other.
A $20 fee is required to register. Mail all registration forms, along with the registration fee, to: John Vohries; 329 Mt. Pleasant Road; Clinton, Ohio 44216. For registration forms, or where to obtain them, you may call Vohries at 330-802-1545. You can also call Walt Stashkiw at 330-289-7849 or 330-644-4970.
Canoes and sailboats are also welcomed in the show with prizes and award categories specifically geared for these vessels. A big part of the fun is discovering who won the People's Choice Award and comparing it with the expertise of the judges. The People's Choice Award is just that. It allows the spectators to join in the fun by voting for the boat they like best.
Beside the Ned Mohrman trophy and People's Choice awards, other awards are given for the best Chris Craft, the best Antique runabouts over 20 ft. and under 20 ft., the best Classic runabouts over 20 ft. and under 20 ft., the best Utility boats over 20 ft. and under 20 ft., the best Preserved, the best Outboard, the best Lyman boat, the best non-powered vessel, the best Antique vessel and best Fiber-Classic boat.
The show commences at 9 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. There is no admission fee so bring the entire family. Both restaurants will be serving brunch buffets in the morning and, of course, will have their regular menu available, starting at 11 a.m.
If you want to relive the days of watching great classic boats once again cruise the waters of the beautiful Portage Lakes, or just enjoy looking at these wonderfully restored and preserved watercraft, mark your calendar for this Saturday, June 27. You won't be disappointed.
The awards dinner will be held for the show's participants and their families at the historic Turkeyfoot Island Club on Turkeyfoot Lake. Reservations are required. Last year's dinner was attended by 100. This renowned club with dock space to accommodate 16 boats will provide a memorable evening for the boat show awards. These awards and trophies are provided courtesy of both the TeleCommunity Credit Union and Nemes Machine.
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