Wooden boat show sails into town

SANDPOINT — Mahogony hulls gleamed in the sun Friday afternoon as, one by one, boats arrived for this weekend’s Sandpoint Wooden Boat Festival.

Dozens of classic wooden boat take part in the annual show, with boats lined up along the city boardwalk today.

The boat show, now in its seventh year, officially opens at 10 a.m. at the city boardwalk and Sandpoint Marina.

Events begin at 7 a.m. with the “mountain man” breakfast, sponsored by the Bonner County Historical Society, followed by the Farmers Market at Sandpoint at 9 a.m. in Farmin Park.

At 11 a.m., the Summer Coats Canine Fashion Show begins at the Cedar Street Bridge. Also at 11 a.m., a beer garden, sponsored by Laughing Dog Brewing, opens at the Sandpoint Marina as does the “Barking Good Barbecue,” sponsored by Arlo’s Ristorante.

At 11:30 a.m., the Panhandle Animal Shelter will conduct a parade of dogs from the Cedar Street Bridge to the Sandpoint Marina.

At noon, the Selkirk Brass Quintet will perform at  the Park Place stage, located near the Cedar Street Bridge.

At 2 p.m., the Spokane Model Boat Club’s parade of model boats will take place, followed by the real deal at 3 p.m. when the wooden boats make their way down Sand Creek to the delight of spectators.

Throughout the day, the Children’s Boat Building Program gives area youngsters a chance to make their own wooden boat.

The youth boating building program, now in its fifth year, is the brainchild of Dan Mimmack of Northwest Handmade  Furniture, who modeled the free even after those at other boat shows to ensure the youngest of boating fans have something just for them. Not only are supplies free to youngsters, they can test-float their new creations on-site before taking them home.

While the boat show closes at 5 p.m., the fun doesn’t end — at 7 p.m., a free classic family film, “The Shaggy Dog,” is showing at the Panida’s Little Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is limited.