Antique boat show draws crowd
By RODNEY MINOR, The Leader-HeraldArticle Photos
LAKE PLEASANT - It was not a sink-or-swim sort of competition at the Eighth Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show Saturday.
The boating enthusiasts at the event agreed winning a "Best in Show" award would be nice, but the important thing was to enjoy a day on the lake admiring some classic watercrafts.
Tom Libby, the chairman of the event, said up to 30 boats would be participating in the event, which had motorized and non-motorized categories.
The reason for the split was to recognize the unique history of non-motorized boats, such as canoes, in the area, he said.
At one time there was a factory in Speculator which made small boats with no motors, Libby said.
"Because of that factory, there are a number of those boats in the area," he said.
The event, which draws between 200 and 300 voters for the competition ever year, also features boaters from outside of the area.
Jeff Schwenke brought his motor boat, made in 1936, to the event. He calls the waters of Oneida Lake, near Syracuse, home.
Refinishing old boats is a hobby, Schwenke said, and he has several he can take out to the water. They are not built for speed, he said, as they only get up to 5 mph. They are meant to be enjoyed on the water.
"I think this is great," Schwenke said. "It is judged by the people [who attend], and it is not a long show."
Richard Misiaszek, of Marcy, won the award for having the best non-motorized boat.
The canoe, built around 1900, is in very good shape, he said. It was nice to see other boaters recognize that, he said, especially when other boats that were around the same age were brought to the event.
"I'm glad these old boats are still around," he said.
Rodney Minor covers Gloversville. He can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.
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wirlwind
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08-17-08 7:44 AM
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I love these boats. Great craftsmanship went into making these beauties. Very nice show.
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