BEMUS POINT - In the lake and out of water, dozens of boats will grace the 15th annual Chautauqua Lake Twin Tiers Chapter of Antique and Classic Boat Society boat show.
The annual gathering will take place today at the Bemus Point Casino Docks and village park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We plan to have one of the largest gathering of Cowell boats," said David Wesp, show chairman, when asked of highlights this year. "It's just one of many boats we will have here. There will be a large variety."
Article Photos
A 1930 26-foot Hacker Runabout sits outside the Village Casino in Bemus Point. The 15th annual boat show takes place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
P-J photos by Eric Tichy
Cowell boats, Wesp said, with their iconic wooden design, were heavily produced by entrepreneur Thomas Cowell in the 1950s in Erie, Pa., and represent a local touch at this year's show.
He added, "There will be boats in water and on land. There will be close to 40 boats in the water and probably another 20 on land."
Public boat viewing and a Chinese auction will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday; class judging will also take place. An awards banquet will be held at 6 p.m., and requires a ticket.
The antique and classic boat society has been around since 2006, and includes the annual boat shows as its signature event. In 2005, a group of vintage boat owners on Chautauqua Lake formed their own club, and in 2009 moved their show to the Village Casino in Bemus Point.