Lakeside Wooden Boat Show

Fun for the whole family, celebrate the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional wooden boat building and the artistic expression of plein air painting at one of Lakeside’s most unique weekends of the summer from July 12-14. 

After a weekend of plein air painting, Lakeside’s waterfront transforms into an outdoor showroom of classic wooden boats for the 21st Annual Lakeside Wooden Boat Show from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, July 14.

As one of Lake Erie’s largest wooden boat exhibits, more than 60 wooden cruisers will line the dock and lawn of Hotel Lakeside for an up-close and personal view of classic boats.

Learn about the world of wooden boatbuilding from boat owners, restoration experts and boat enthusiasts alike. Hear the unique stories behind the making of each vessel and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for boatbuilding and the many hours of preservation it takes to keep them afloat and looking like new.

We’re excited to announce that 3 Amphicars will be joining the Lakeside Wooden Boat Show on Sunday, July 14 for a “swim meet.”

Amphicars are unique, allowing owners to travel seamlessly between land and sea. Conditions permitting, the cars will plunge into the water from the Lakeside Sailing Center ramp around 12 p.m. for an on-the-water demo.

National Museum of the Great Lakes Exhibit
This year, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will be on-site with an interactive exhibit for all ages.

The museum, located in Toledo, tells the awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits.

The tales told have spanned hundreds of years, from the fur trader in the 1600s and the underground railroad operators in the 1800s, to the rum runners in the 1900s and the sailors of the thousand-footers sailing today.

The exhibit will be displayed under the tent on the Hotel Lakeside lawn from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday during the Lakeside Wooden Boat Show.

Plein Air Painting
In addition to the wooden boat and maritime museum activities, several plein air events will take place on Sunday. Watch as painters add finishing touches to their masterpieces at the Plein Air Paintout held along the shoreline and in Bettinger Park until noon. 

Wet Paint Sale & Kids’ Painting
Paintings that were completed by the artists throughout the weekend will be available for purchase during the Wet Paint Sale, held at 1:30-3:30 p.m. south of the Pavilion. Purchases can be made with cash, check or credit card. Kids’ painting will also be available by donation from 1-3 p.m. south of the Pavilion.

Wally & The Beavs
Back by popular demand, Wally & The Beavs will play live music, including cover songs by Chicago, Journey, Grand Funk Railroad, Elton John, The Blues Brothers and The Beatles from 12-4 p.m. at the Pavilion Jennings East Deck. 

Lunch
For lunch, dine at one of Lakeside’s many restaurants or enjoy a meal from 12-4 p.m. on the Hotel Lakeside Lawn. The menu, provided by Ward Catering, features shredded chicken sandwich, brat or perch sandwich with chips. Water and pop are also available. 

Food can be purchased a la carte, ranging from $2-13. Combos are also available: $10 for a shredded chicken sandwich or brat combo or $17 for a perch sandwich combo (including main dish with chips, coleslaw and water or pop).

The Lakeside Heritage Society will also be selling popcorn from 1-4 p.m. on the Hotel Lakeside Lawn. 

Register a Wooden Boat
The show is coordinated by the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society. To register a wooden boat for free, contact coordinator Mame Drackett at mame@drackett.cc or 239-776-6205.