By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — With so many antique boats tied to cleats it will seem like the Naples Causeway has slipped into yesteryear.

Like a postcard capturing an era fifty or eighty years ago in the appearance of boats and cars — that is what the Causeway will appear to be this Saturday when the Naples Classic Boat and Car Show is held.

The show, which was cancelled last year because of COVID-19, was going to be postponed for yet another year.

It was touch and go for a while. 

Now, it is full steam ahead.

Yes, the Mountain View Woodies and Classic Boat Club of Maine will host the 28th annual Classic Boat and Car Show this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“It was touch and go but we finally decided to give it a go. Now, it is on,” according to Jon March, longtime club member and the show’s announcer. 

Until just a few weeks ago, it was questionable whether the show would go on. But there were some factors in it favor, including huge support from the community. 

“It’s outdoors. So that is never really a big problem. The club voted it to be an open air event so there won’t be the traditional tent,” March said.  

Business-owners encouraged club members to offer the event that draws a nice crowds. 

“With so many other events either cancelled or postponed, there was an encouragement from the community for the club to continue to have the show. There was encouragement to give some normalcy to the summer in Naples by offering one of its highlight happenings,” March said.

“With festivals being cancelled, people are particularly eager to have the boat show go on as usual. Because of the events like the Maine Blues Festival and the Naples for the Arts Show not happening for two years, there was hope that the classic boat and car show would take place,” he said. 

In fact, the owner of the Songo River Queen II “was particularly eager to encourage us to hold the show. Because it brings out the crowds,” he said. 

Water crafts and vintage vehicles — what a great marriage.

“It started out as a boat show,” March said. “A few club members owned classic cars. So, Bob Foreman or someone else showed up with his vintage vehicle just because the weather was nice. It started out with the idea: Let’s park a few classic vehicles out here to draw interest. It kick-started the idea to have some vintage vehicles as well.”

The vehicles then were added to the classic boat — drawing an even bigger crowd as time went by.

“How many opportunities do you have to show off some fabulous vehicles of the past, marvels of engineering. People appreciate the designs, the colors,” March said.

For the boat club members, the excitement lasts all week. It is among the club’s annual events.  

“I call it the Classic Boat and Car Show weekend. Really, that is what it becomes is a weekend of classic boats and cars because of the amphicar demonstrations and the boat parade on Friday,” March said. “Frankly, the boat people come and stay for the week. It’s more than a weekend for them. They enjoy cruises leading up to the Friday night and Saturday events. They go to destinations to enjoy their beautiful boats in the days leading up to Friday’s parade and Saturday’s show.”