Boat show activities include display of art, ugly cars, and wooden boats

It’s August, and that means it’s time for the annual Wooden Boat Show, which begins with a reception at Tsuga Gallery on Friday and moves to the Elochoman Slough Marina on Saturday and Sunday.

The reception at Tsuga Gallery is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday to honor their artist of the month, Genie Carey, and will include some work by model ship builder, Ralph Crouse.

On Saturday and Sunday, stop by the Elochoman Slough Marina to check out the water craft on display. Organizers are still receiving exhibitor’s entries, and expect to have at least 25 big and small craft at the show this year.

“I’m always surprised at who might show up,” Julius Dalzell, an organizer for the event, said on Tuesday. This year will include one vessel, a 50 foot cabin cruiser, designed by the late naval architect, Ed Monk.

The focus on the event is always on exhibitors and their boats, and Dalzell believes that is why the event has grown every year. They want to come back, and they bring friends who share their interests.

There will be vendors selling wares and food, including Maria’s, which will bring out the ever popular barbecue again.

The local Traditional Small Craft Association will sell raffle tickets for a Salt Bay skiff that they built last year. They also plan to build another during the event, and visitors are welcome to join in or just watch the process.

The Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet will provide a breakfast from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Visitors are encouraged to check out the boats and vote for their favorites in four categories. The winners will be announced at the end of the show at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Julie Dalen will perform on Saturday and Sunday, after lunch.

The Wooden Boat Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m, and Sunday, August 4, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Also on Saturday, River Mile 38 Brewing Co. will host an Ugly Car Show from 4-7 p.m.