 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE: A BEST KEPT SECRET Every year a small contingent of Chesapeake Bay enthusiasts makes the 270-mile trek to beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in southern Virginia. Located approximately 40 miles east of Roanoke, Virginia, this pristine manmade lake is nestled among the Smokey Mountains, and is nothing short of a diamond in the rough. With Caribbean like clarity, the turquoise colored waters beckon hot boaters to simply turn off their engines and jump in. (Getting back in one’s boat is altogether a different story) Additionally, with more than 500 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to abandon ship. Southern hospitality is alive and well. Dan Holdgreve, Jim Gilbertson, and Lars Okeson stimulated their whole club to turn out and make their show great. Don Smith was right there with his fabulous Salem outboard that won prizes at our show, only now it’s even on their shirt, one of the brightest and prettiest shirts I’ve ever seen. Oh yeah! There’s a boat show that is hosted as well! Their goody bag itself is a real treat, Wow! It took me a long time to dig through all those treasures! Located on a piece of land offering a panoramic view of the lake, “the point” as we Yankees have dubbed it, is an excellent venue to hold a boat show. The show has steadily grown year to year with many of the boats coming right off the lake. For a relatively small show typically hosting 50 to 60 boats, there is always a good assortment of boats to see. From unusual outboards and large cruisers, to exotic turn of the century launches and pre-war triple cockpits, there is something for everyone to see and enjoy. The show itself is a two day affair, beginning Friday afternoon with the always fun Poker Run. All participants dart around the lake in their boats searching for marinas and restaurants to obtain colored tickets. At the Friday evening social, prizes are awarded for those holding winning tickets. With the entire Smith Mountain Lake chapter pitching in, an excellent meal is provided. The boat show, as well as a contingency of antique cars from the local area highlight Saturday. There is working antique carousel located on the point that can be seen from far across the lake. Only opened during special events such as this, it draws spectators to the boat show, and keeps the young (and young at heart) occupied. As those of us who have small children know this simple merry-go-round is a lifesaver. This show is not an ACBS judged show. Instead, the participants vote on their favorite craft for each of the different categories. During Saturday evening’s festivities, a melt-in-your-mouth catered barbecue meal is served shortly followed by the awards ceremony. During all this commotion everyone was handed a picture of his or her boat, just like that. Chesapeake Bay Club President Jeffery Beard put best saying; “They really know how to put on a show, don’t they?” Most of all Saturday evening offers a final opportunity for everyone to enjoy each others company enjoy drinks and tell lies. It’s lucky that Sunday was rainy because I did not want to go home! This year, the members from our Chesapeake Bay Chapter who make the trip to this show were Howard P. Johnson, Greg and Joan Howell (and Scout) Jeff and June Beard, Darryl and Pam Maples, Charley Quimby, Roger and Sybil Smith and Rick and Susan Sharpe. If you are looking for a fun, well run boat show to attend next summer, mark off the second weekend of August and plan on joining us for the Smith Mountain Lake Boat Show! It is well worth the drive. For more information e-mail Rick Sharpe.
|
||
|
|
Home |
About CBC |
Boat Festival
|
Calendar |
Galley |
 |
