CANADA 150TH CELEBRATED IN GRAVENHURST WITH CLASSIC BOATS

July 17, 2017

It was great to see the Canadian Canoe Museum represented at the show.

Perfect weather conditions and a wonderful turnout of both interesting boats and enthusiastic crowds made the Antique & Classic Boat Society – Toronto chapter’s vintage boat show a huge success this past weekend.

Held on July 8 in Gravenhurst, Ontario the theme of the show was Birchbark to Fiberglass and it included a remarkable array of boats and canoes from contemporary fiberglass classics to century-old vessels, all restored to gleaming new condition. There was also a display of unrestored boats for sale in the Field of Dreams buy-sell yard.

In addition to the boats, there were many land displays including fleamarket boat parts, clothing and in particular Muskoka and cottage themed items.

A display of antique and classic cars added to the interest.

This year, the admission gates and ticket takers were eliminated as part of the Canada 150th celebration. Abundant parking and easy access made it possible for large crowds to enjoy the boats throughout the day, all at no cost.
Many of the boats also did flybys [and “row-bys”] to entertain the crowds with the sights and sounds of vintage and classic boats, tearing past at speed.

ACBS board member Gerry Lodge (right) kindly took Rob Dilworth and me for a most enjoyable lap around the bay in his turn-of-the-century launch, Edith.

We want to thank ACBS Toronto board member Gerry Lodge who very kindly took us out on board Edith, his turn-of-the-century launch with a Surrey top.

If you missed the show this year, be sure to mark it in your calendar for 2018. Visit www.acbs.ca for information.

Here’s is a better look at Edith tied up beside the Grace & Speed, Muskoka Boat & Heritage Center located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst where the show was held.

Malcolm Black the driving force behind the Kids and Classics program was seen rowing around the show.