It’s a-boat time
You wooden want to miss this wonderful show in Toledo
Big boats, little boats, handmade boats and even antique boats — as long as they are made from wood, or, for one event, wood pulp, they are welcome at the Port of Toledo’s annual Wooden Boat Show.
Located at Toledo’s Waterfront Park, this family-friendly event is happening this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19 and 20.
Wooden boats from throughout the northwest will be on display, ranging from kayaks and canoes to work boats and pleasure craft. The festival also has a full roster of live music that will be the perfect backdrop for boat building, the Cardboard Boat Contest, kids’ activities, food, boat rides, vendors and lots more.
Maritime vendors, artists booths and informational and historical exhibits enhance the festival and a silent auction will be held each day at the Port Booth.
During the Cardboard Boat Race, amateur cardboard boat builders will compete to win prizes for the best design and then race to determine the fastest and most water worthy vessel. There is also a prize for the Most Spectacular Sinking! Cheer for the brave boat builders on their maiden, and only, voyage on Saturday at 1 pm.
Family boat building is a favorite spectator event. Toledo Community Boathouse volunteers will direct families in constructing their own eight-foot pram during both days of the festival. Guests are invited to watch the builders’ progress and wave the new boat owners off on their first voyage on Sunday afternoon.
New this year, bring your pup dressed in their best pirate attire for the dog pageant on Sunday at 2 pm.
The fun-packed event also includes a kids’ boat building station, a potato cannon attended by pirates and putt-putt golf. And the Toledo Chamber of Commerce will present a Pancake Breakfast each morning at the pavilion, with additional food vendors offering tasty treats.
The show is located at the Port’s Marina and Waterfront Park at 127 NW A Street in Toledo. Hours are Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
For more information, go to portoftoledo.org or call 541-336-5207.
Live music
The Wooden Boat Show theme, “Boat Wakes and Sound Waves” highlights the exciting variety of music at the show. Bands will perform throughout the weekend at the Waterfront Park Pavilion. This year’s concert lineup includes modern country, rock, bluegrass, soul, indie and blues.
Highlighting another year of outstanding musical presentations, the Port is showcasing Music Director Frans Paul Van Den Bogaard, who can be seen on this year’s poster.
The festival will open on Saturday with Martin Watkinson-GAEA, an electric cellist from Portland. Acoustic Minds, from Portland, perform a blend of soul and electronic dance music. Highway 9 of Seattle plays modern country and bluegrass. Glitterfox of Portland is an indie folk band named one of Portland’s “Best New Bands” by the Willamette Week in 2022. Saturday performances will be wrapped up by Christopher Worth of Eugene, known for his unique style of Bohemian blues.
The concert continues on Sunday with Weird Science of Newport, playing rock-n-goodies. Sitka of Otis will perform old and new rock. Sonny Hess Band, from Portland, will take the stage to conclude this year’s festival with rhythm and blues.
Music schedule
Saturday, Aug. 19
Martin Watkinson-GAEA - 10:45 am
Acoustic Minds - noon
Highway 9 - 2:30 pm
Glitterfox - 4 pm
Christopher Worth - 5:30 pm
Sunday, Aug. 20
Weird Science - 11:30 am
Sitka - 1 pm
Sonny Hess Band - 3 pm