Antique cars join annual wooden boat show July 25

Classic boats showcasing the hard work, skill and dedication of their proud owners will line the shoreline of West Lake Okoboji later this month as the 28th Annual Antique and Classic Wooden Boat show launches Saturday, July 25 at Historic Arnolds Park.

"The show runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.," said Scott Pyle, general manager of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. "I think there will be over 60 boats this year... It's one of the largest inland wooden boat shows in the country."

The majority of the boats displayed are locally owned, but some travel from as far away as Florida and California.

"They've got Hafers - made in Spirit Lake, of course - and Criss Crafts... basically every make or model available," Pyle explained.

The show dates back to 1980 when a small group of local boat owners decided to showcase their antique treasures. The event has been held annually since with the exception of 1993, when high water levels forced its cancellation.

"One thing we're doing this year is 'Keels and Wheels,'" Pyle added. "They're having a classic antique car show as well. All the cars are at least 50 years old and are completely original. I know there will be a 1932 DeSoto, and Chuck Long is bringing other cars as well."

The car show will run for the duration of the wooden boat display.

"It's really neat to see a lot of those boats," Pyle added. "A lot have been hand crafted, and you can see the love people have for them to restore the boats to what they looked like 80 or 90 years ago. The skill involved is something to appreciate."

According to Mike Hagan, one of the event organizers, there will be an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. with seven peoples' choice, one skipper's choice and one best of show award.

Pyle also noted the high caliber of boats involved in the show, explaining that several are worth well over $100,000.

At 3:30 p.m. there will be a boat parade leading from the park on West Okoboji Lake under the bridges to East Okoboji Lake.

Rain date for the event will be Sunday, July 26.