The Lake James Antique and Classic Boat Show

At the 2023 show, historic watercraft, mostly gleaming restored wooden boats from the middle of the 20th Century, were the stars of the show. The Chris-Craft, Century and similar makes were lined up in the docks allowing inspection from the crowd. Those who love the mechanical purr and gurgling sounds created by the engines were present lakeside at noon when the boats were fired up.

On the grounds adjacent to the docks were vendor booths with all manner of crafts for sale. There was an assortment of vintage outboard motors searching for new owners. There was no going hungry as items like Sno-Cones and foot long hot dogs were available.

A very special part of the event was the children’s area. Mike McBride, a Lake James resident and owner of two beautifully restored Chris-Craft boats, was the local organizer of the boat show. He has been involved – very involved – since the first boat show. Among his many contributions is the production of dozens of simple small boat models made of unfinished wood. As you might guess, someone who restores wooden boats is handy with a saw and sander. These boat models are given to children along with paint and brushes and brightly colored boats are created as souvenirs of the day.

A wide assortment of collector cars, from Corvettes to muscle cars to a Bentley, were on display for attendees to admire. There were cars and boats for sale in the parking areas, too, for those who wanted to join the show next year. Also included were displays of several vintage camper trailers, including two rare examples made by the storied Chris-Craft boat company.

For the second year, Steuben Arts Scene, a local non-profit organization that provides art classes and opportunities for artists to display and sell their work, hosted a large tent filled with sale and display booths. Paintings, sketch books and colorful wooden fish made by local youth in summer art classes were on view. There was a booth filled with work by the Angola Artists Guild and booths filled with jewelry, ceramics, wooden objects and handmade fiber objects, all available for purchase. Other booths featured large scale photos of area scenes and paintings by six local artists. One painter demonstrated oil painting along the shore. It was a unique opportunity to find the work of so many local artists in a single location. Paintings and other objects went home with happy buyers.

The Lake James Antique and Classic Boat Show is one of the many fun events available during summer in Northern Indiana Lakes Country!