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Antique Boat Show returns for 33rd year

by jmaloni
Thu, Sep 9th 2010 04:00 pm
by Emily Dulanski

One of the nation's largest in-water displays of vintage boats will be held this weekend at the Buffalo Launch Club. The Antique Boat Show, hosted by the Niagara Frontier chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, will celebrate its 33rd year on Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept 11.

"We feature a different boat manufacturer each year," said Sharon Dickinson, one of the directors of the Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boat Society. "This year, we're featuring Dodge boats and Custom Craft boats. ... (Custom Craft boats) are fiberglass boats that were manufactured in Buffalo. Dodge boats appear to be fairly rare, but they probably did race at the Launch Club at one time."

There will be a seminar open to the public at noon on Friday about Dodge boats. Their manufacturing and racing history will be discussed. The boat show itself will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m.

"It is an ACBS-judged show," said Dickinson. "There are many classes of boats, and each class has first and second place awards. (Each boat) is judged using a points system ... based on how it was when it came out of the factory."

Thousands are expected to attend to see the multitude of antique and classic boats.

"Right now, we definitely have over 100 boats registered," said Dickinson. "We are attempting to expand our show to include more fiberglass (models). We currently have four or five classic fiberglass boats."

While the boat show continues throughout the day, attendees can be entertained with other events.

"We do have a flea market and the Field of Dreams," said Dickinson. "If someone is interested in getting into antique and classic boats, they can check out (what others are selling)."

In addition, there will be refreshments, a Kids Camp, a basket auction and a judged car show.

"We had between 80 and 100 cars last year," said Dickinson. "But it depends on the weather how many will be there."

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