BASS LAKE — It’s an exciting weekend with water levels back up, as the 26th Annual Bass Lake Antique and Classic Boat Show returns to the floating docks at the Pines Marina, sponsored by the Bass Lake Lion’s Club and Bass Lake Watersports.
Somewhere between 40 and 60 of the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the West Coast are expected to be docked by Saturday morning, May 14, when gates at the marina open at 9 a.m. to visitors for a $5 entry fee. Children under 10 are free. With temperatures set to be pretty perfect for an outing, it’s defintely time to flock to the lake. The show goes on until 4 p.m.
The watertop extravaganza is the annual rendezvous for the Southern and Northern California Chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society of America and promises to be one of the largest of the season in California.
“We’re featuring classic wooden constructed boats that reflect hundreds of hours of labor, with meticulous craftsmanship and personal pride put into each and every one of these entries,” says Tom Tuso, owner of Bass Lake Watersports. “These boats are generally worth $50,000 to $100,000, easy.” Participants in the boat show come from all over the west coast and beyond.
Proceeds from the family-friendly event go to the Bass Lake Lion’s Club, where they’re later dispursed to a number of local charities and schools. It’s an opportunity to have a great time, participate in an important community event, see some gorgeous boats and even have your say as to the winners of the show.
Besides the boats, there’s a band playing all day, and opportunities to purchase hot dogs and the like from vendors set up especially for the event. If you’re looking for something a little more fancy than that, step into Ducey’s for a bite to eat.
“Everyone votes for best and most unique boats — there are many categories in which visitors get to decide who comes out on top. It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful weekend, just perfect.”
Tom says people can take their day to the next level by hanging out at Bass Lake Boat Rentals, where you can rent a kayak, canoe or jet ski and call it your own for a few hours of fun at the lake.
Meanwhile, on Friday, May 13, Miller’s Landing Resort will host a BBQ and many of the boats participating will be docked before the Saturday show at The Pines Marina.
