PRESS RELEASE – THE 44th ANNUAL PORTAGE LAKES ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

On Saturday June 22nd plan to attend the Portage Lakes 44th annual antique and classic boat show. This free event will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the docks, lakeside, at the Harbor Front Grille and Pick’s on PLX restaurant on Portage Lakes Drive in Coventry, Ohio, just 5 miles south of downtown Akron. There will be over 50 beautiful wood and vintage fiberglass boats, both in the water and on land which display the elegance and craftsmanship of America’s skilled boat manufacturers.

Interested in purchasing a classic boat of your own? There will also be a “Field of Dreams Sale Lot” with boats for sale on display, so bring your checkbook. The local chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society will also auction a 1959 18′ Cruisers Inc; boat, motor,& trailer to the highest bidder above $500.

The Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), an international organization devoted to the preservation and recognition of all types of personal watercraft with 54 chapters throughout North America and Europe. The North Coast Ohio Chapter of ACBS with over 130 members is very active in restoring, showing, and using their unique boats. Many of these members will have their boats on display at this show.

In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the original fiberglass boats which became popular in the late 1960’s as wood boat production was phased out due to shortages of mahogany, production costs, and desire for easier to maintain boats. Those earlier model fiberglass boats had unique designs influenced by the finned automobiles of the late 50’s and 60’s. You will see some of those boats at the show sporting restored outboard motors.

OUR SPECIAL THEME THIS YEAR IS THE “CELEBRATION OF THE OUTBOARD”.

For many years, Portage Lakes was the home of several marinas. They not only sold wood boats but fiberglass beauties and outboard motors of all kinds. There will be many wood and fiberglass models from all eras, from the 40’s to the 90’s, and on display will be some of the most beautifully restored outboard motors from the special guest at this year’s show, the Antique Outboard Motor Club (AOMCI). Devoted to those with a passion for antique outboards. A world-wide non-profit organization. So, there will be boats and motors to view for all ages.

There will also be “youth judging” by a group of area youngsters with a special award presented by their group.

There will be some award-winning boats from all around Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania at this year’s show.

Come and enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet at the Harbor Front Grille and dockside dining at Pick’s next to the gleaming chrome and sparkling, varnished, floating works of art. The always popular collectable show posters and t-shirts will be for sale. Over 50 fine local businesses and organizations have sponsored this unique event that is one of the longest running antique boat shows in the U.S. Along with the North Coast Ohio Chapter of ACBS our co-sponsor of the show is the Portage Lakes Historical Society.

Don’t miss this celebration of summertime and beautiful boats on the Portage Lakes, Saturday June 22nd. For show and registration information contact the show chairman, Gil Maringer, 216-310-7475.

For more information contact:
Walt Stashkiw | Media Coordinator | 330-289-7849 | wstashkiw@neo.rr.com