My greetings and Welcome to the new year, and our 2026 BRC Show Schedule is coming into focus…….
For 2026 we have a series of show opportunities that are coming throughout the year. As discussed at the Annual Meeting, we have been able to develop different geographic locations and dates that give our Chapter members options to attend and or participate in shows more locally to their homes. Thank you for reading through this as there is a significant amount of information to share.
Lake Lure Update……..
Our May Lake Lure Show is tentatively being rescheduled into October of 2026 as the recovery and rebuilding progress continues for both the Town and Chimney Rock. Lake Lure was impounded in 1927 and the Inn opened in that same year. October of 2026 will begin a year long celebration for their 2027 Centennial! More information and a confirmation of specific show dates will follow as soon as this is confirmed.
Additionally, the owners of the Lake Lure Inn are in planning for a full renovation of the property. A timeline will be announced when ready. The owners are working with historical preservation guidelines and how best to approach the work overall.
The Town is planning to have the Beach open for the 2026 season. Sonya Ledford-Pitts, our Boat Show liason with the Town will be returning to her position at the Marina January 1st. The damaged Marina Office building where we would check in for our Show has been removed…..and will be replaced with a temporary unit for 2026, and until a new building is designed and constructed.
The Town has signed the contract to rebuild the Washburn Marina Docks and floating Board Walk. The overall Marina design is a duplicate pattern to the previous layout. The full Marina is hopeful to be complete in July 2026. The boat ramp is also being reconstructed.
Currently the Lake is at 15’ below full pool for additonal work at the dam. The target for this project completion is mid-February, with the lake rising to full pond by May of 2026. The overall effort has been remarkable and inspring in so many ways!
New Show Opportunities……..
Harbor Light Marina and Tilly’s Grill and Bar – Lake Hartwell
April 16 – 18, 2026 (Easter is on April 5)
We have confirmed a new opportunity to expand our show venue for Lake Hartwell. I sincerely appreciate Gary Green’s assistance along with John Heiderich and Gary Fesperman to meet with the Marina Manager at the state line of SC and GA on I-85. The manager has been able to create availablility for approximately 30+ slips to accommodate our show before their busy season. Tilly’s Grill at Harbor Light has welcomed us in the past for our Lake Hartwell Rendezvous and would be delighted with our return. This show would take the place of the Rendezvous.
- Nearby Tugaloo State Park has a mega ramp, camping and cabins.
- Hotel lodging is available in nearby Lavonia.
- The HOA surrounding the Marina has graciously provided access to their Pavilion for a meeting or dinner, and trailer storage on their grounds.
- A coordination team will be set up with a Show Coordinator.
- We will update everyone further when Registration is to access through out website.
Atlanta Motoring Festival Concours d’Elegance – Lake Lanier Islands
May 1-3, 2026
I have appreciated speaking with the Philip Carroll – Founder and Co-Chairman, and I am thankful to to Craig Miller for this contact.
- This is a new opportunity to participate in the new Atlanta Motoring Festival Concours d’Elegance at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. This would be a trailer display with some in water.
- He has participated in the Hilton Head Island Concours and feels that our boats would be a special addition to this Spring event.
- Steve will be meeting there in early January and share more information.
- The website is: http://www.theatlantaconcours.com/
- Registration is now open at: https://www.atlantamotoringfestival.org/register/
2026 BRC Show Schedule……..
*Black is definte
*Green is tentative
Greenville / Upstate Boat Show January 22 – 25
Has experienced high demand for exhibit space.
They are trying to blend us in.
We will not know until early January.
John Heiderich is the contact.
We will update as soon as decided.
Sunnyland Boating Festival March 27 – 29
For BRC Members attending
Pre River Cruise 3/22-26
Post River Cruise 3/29-4/3
Lake Hartwell Habor Light Marina Show April 16 – 18
New BRC show has confirmed.
Date is after Easter which is April 5, 2026
Tilly’s for meals/HOA Pavilion available – Meal/Meeting.
Will have mega launch near by.
HOA approved trailer storage adjacent to marina.
HOA approved use of Pavilion adjacent to marina.
Lodging nearby in Lavonia / Camping at State Park.
BRC Coordinating team will be formed.
More information will be posted.
Registration will be through our website.
Peninsula Yacht Club Show NC – Lake Norman April 25-(Rain 26)
First time invitation to participate earlier in 2025.
The coordinator: Eric Dana has contacted us.
On Lake Norman / Trailer display-possible water also.
Timing was tight, 3 boats attended.
They want to grow the boat participation as we do.
Rob Weller will assist with coordinating for BRC.
Contact Rob for more information. Also CLICK HERE for the Yacht club website.
Atlanta Motor Festival Concours d’Elegance May 1-3
New Show for BRC to participate in.
BRC participation is invited and appreciated.
Combination Trailer Display-Water TBD.
Key information noted above.
Steve will visit and share more.
Registration is now open as noted.
Lake Rabun Wooden Boat Show May 9
BRC is invited to attend this show.
Rabun leadership team joined our Annual Meeting.
Being held at Halls Marina from 11am to 4pm.
10 -15 in-water spots offered for visiting boats.
May 8th Open Bar/Appetizers from 5 – 7pm.
May 9th – BBQ Dinner All show participants and guests.
To register, please contact Forrest Kennedy 770-862-2094
Lake Lure (Traditionally 3rd week of May) Rescheduling
Plan to have Beach operations for Summer Season. More to follow
Replacement of the Washburn Marina is starting.
Preliminary hope for Marina to be ready mid-July.
Inn at Lake Lure also planning major renovations.
Town would like BRC show in October. We can do.
Feature Boat Parade to mark start of 2027 Centennial.
Lake Impounded in 1927.
Steve meeting Inn General Manager.
34th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Chapter September 11-12
34th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show.
SML welcomes our BRC members participating.
Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater Moneta, VA.
Benefits and supports local charities.
Website: woodenboats.net
Century Boats 100th Anniversary Show September 11-13
Manistee, Michigan
More details to be posted.
Boats attending from across the country.
ACBS – International Show – Port Huron MI September 13-20
For BRC Members Attending
Registration and Schedule will be posted by ACBS.
Lake Greenwood September 25-26
Currently Tentative.
Based on confirmation of the Lake Lure Centennial
Lake Lure Centennial Show – Town Invitation October TBD
Confirm Boat Parade
Confirm accommodations
Georgetown Wooden Boat Show October 17-18
Several of our members attend.
BRC boats received awards in 2025.
Johnny Weaver is the Organizer and great person.
Would like to be more involved with our Chapter.
Was attending Annual Meeting, but family medical issue arose.
This show may overlap with Lake Lure above.
Will update this schedule list when Lake Lure is set.
Concours d’Elegance – Hilton Head Island October 30-Nov 1
Application – Registration will begin in the Spring.
Steve will post information to our Chapter when open.
Huntley Tarleton – Chairman, Special Exhibits.
Julie Harrison – Event & Exhibitor Concierge.
Annual Meeting To Be Announced
My best wishes to you for the coming New Year!
Very sincerely, Steve
