The boat builders of a bygone era certainly knew how to captivate an audience. The highly polished, gleaming woods of decks, transoms and prows are veritable works of art and that’s why the upcoming annual boat show in South Haven is a treat not to be missed, especially since it’s in the middle of HarborFest.
Organizers from the Michigan Maritime Museum promise everyone a day of nautical fun for antique boat enthusiasts and families at the 38th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show slated to take place at the museum in South Haven next weekend.
The show will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 from 10 am to 4 pm during South Haven’s HarborFest weekend. The show strives to perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft and to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience.
This year’s show will feature a variety of boat styles from different eras, all capturing classic boat building and restoration traditions to be admired and shared. Long-time exhibitor Sandy Bryson says, “I always enjoy the boat show,” and adds, “New and interesting boats every year, many restored or built by the exhibitors. And, you can’t beat the location. Great view of the river and activity on the water. Coupled with seeing or taking a ride on one of the Museum’s historic fleet, the boat show makes for a great day on one of Michigan’s most scenic waterfronts.”
In addition to beautiful boats on land and in the water, the show will feature local craft beer from the South Haven Brew Pub which visitors can enjoy while they peruse the boats. During the show, the Museum will also host author Pamela Cameron who will be signing her latest family-friendly book, Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes. Copies will be available for purchase in the Ship’s Store.
The Maritime Museum’s fleet will be operating public, on-water, excursions throughout the show along with the new addition of retro boats — Michigan-made fiberglass boats from the 1950s and 60s that have been restored and converted to electric engines.
It’s a great chance to experience boats from every angle on Father’s Day weekend.
The Antique & Classic Boat Show is also a great way to celebrate South Haven’s 150-year maritime history while enjoying the bustling harbor at the Heart of the Maritime District.
Cost for the show is $10 for adults and $5 for kids (under 3 free). The cost includes the show and admission to all Michigan Maritime Museum exhibits.
The Museum is located at 260 Dyckman Avenue in South Haven. For more information you can call 269-637-8078 or click the link below:
