Woody Weekend comes to Whitefish Lake
Antique and classic wood boats cruise Whitefish Lake on Sunday during the annual Whitefish Woody Weekend boat show.
A showcase of classic wood boats will hit the water of Whitefish Lake this weekend for Whitefish Woody Weekend VI.
Hosted by the Big Sky Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Woody Weekend attracts award-winning classic wood boats from across the Pacific Northwest for a signature Whitefish summer event which runs June 23-25.
This year will see 16 boats new to the event and 40 boats total, ranging from construction dates of 1928 to 2015.
“We’re pretty proud of that — it’s not just the same boats every year,” said Tim Salt, who organizes the event.
This year’s total is up from 28 boats last year, and 29 of the participants also are from the Flathead Valley.
The weekend will kick off Friday evening with a cruise/parade around Whitefish Lake. Forty classic boats will be on display at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and on Sunday morning the boats will compete in a poker run race on the lake with a barbecue on the beach afterwards.
New this year is a classic boat water skiing exhibition on Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Members of the public are encouraged to join in on the evening cruise on Friday and to meet the owners and their boats during the Saturday showcase. There will also be hourly drawings for a free boat ride on Saturday.
Coming off a great year last year, Salt said he expects another stellar turnout this weekend.
“We had a great turnout from the public, about 1,000 people turned out and about 500 people cast their votes for the people’s choice award,” he said of last year’s event.
Plus, the weather forecast is looking favorable to this year’s event.
“It’s been a crazy June and it’s looking more and more like this weekend is going to be a great one. People are anticipating Woody Weekend and we expect a great turnout,” he said.
The Lodge will provide complimentary valet parking and additional off site parking and shuttle service on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Boat Club Lounge and Lakefront Tiki Bar will provide food and beverage services during the event and live music on Saturday.
For more information, contact Tim Salt at 406-862-5085 or whitefishwoodyweekend@gmail.com.