Walking around Mystic Seaport grounds this June 25th morning, it’s obvious something big is about to happen.
Tents are already in place and a few early bird vendors are setting up in preparation for tomorrow’s opening of the 18th annual WoodenBoat Show, which runs Friday through Sunday, June 26 – 28.
The sign over one booth — “Rope Dope” — caught my eye. Frank and Liz Laskey have been returning since 1991. Frank bills this as his favorite show among all others. The couple’s wares are boat-related ropes of all kinds plus a whimsical sideline of dog leashes.
Across the aisle, Orv Haberman was arranging an impressive selection of out-of-print books and coastal sea charts, including an 1841 hand colored chart of Long Island Sound.
Next door, Jay and Dona Benford of Tiller Publishing, unboxed two recently published books: a soft-cover titled Catboats and a hard-cover non-fiction book, When Fortune Frowns. The latter is a sequel of sorts; it traces the true history of what happened after the events written in Mutiny on the Bounty. Author William H. White will be on hand Saturday to autograph his book, as well as Paul Garnett, who did the art work.
Jan Balsamo had the next tent all to herself for now. Her company, Axis Air Group, Inc. sells a unique respirator/paint sprayer product. She is excited to once again take part in the WoodenBoat Show after a several year hiatus.
Judging from the signs above the booths, when all vendors are in place, visitors will find everything from tee-shirts and tote bags to information on boat building schools and yacht restoration. The Brennans, owners of “Frayed Knot Arts” had some interesting examples of their craft already on display, and Jeff Pearson’s antique tools tent had some early birds on the prowl.
You get the picture; besides the wonderful display of more than 100 wooden boats, there is so much more going on!
The WoodenBoat Show is Mystic Seaport’s biggest event of the summer, and based on exit interviews conducted last year, well deserving of it’s billing as “The most dynamic wooden boat show in the country” by WoodenBoat magazine.
Best of all, the weather prediction looks good for this weekend — come and enjoy!
Blog post written by Trudi Busey.
