Sunnyland’s 43rd Annual Boat Festival……..
Sunnyland’s festival continues to be a special experience each year! Early arrivals came in on Wednesday with the majority of those attending launching their boats on Thursday. Mother Nature gave us a good day on Thursday to take early Dora Canal cruises. Approximately 280 Volunteers assist to make this expansive show a success. Their efforts are always sincerely appreciated. The welcome reception was well attended and breezy.
Overnight Thursday into Friday the wind and rain arrived causing a pause in the schedule for Friday. Many of us were checking our boats, lines and bilge pumps as the weather moved through.
The traditional Friday lunch at the Hickory Point Park on Lake Harris changed from a boat cruise to a car ride due to the winds. Our BRC members had previously volunteered to leave the Tavares show docks early for Hickory Point, and then assist with the main cruise arrival as dock hands and greeters. Plans had to change as only one boat from the show made the journey, so we adjusted to assisting with the setup, greeting, and parking. All went well with more than 200 attending.
The weather did improve some during the day, but periods of rain continued through the night with winds. Saturday morning greeted everyone with quick moving showers and intermittent sun early. The winds continued, but the day cleared, and the attendance soared with full docks. The sponsors and purveyors were busy along with the Land Displays, Field of Dreams, Market, and the increasingly popular companion Car Show. Special compliments go the Turner family and their Aristocraft display, along with Owen and Ella featuring their own boats and skills. It was wonderful to see their youth and commitment!
The water parade of Amphicars went ahead as planned and is always popular to view from the main show docks, along the shore and over to the large ramp. There were so many unique models and décor. It was amazing to see the speed at which some of these cars hit the water on the ramp each year!
Some slow and conservative……and others showing their racing skills as they powered down for a big splash into the lake!
Miss America IX was a feature as the Mistele Family bid an emotional farewell to this historic boat on Saturday and Sunday morning. Miss America IX is transitioning to new owners at the wish of the late Chuck and Diane Mistele. She will be well cared for and treasured as she has been for so many years. Their role in preserving history was gratefully recognized and appreciated.
After the dinner on Saturday evening, the Show continued until noon on Sunday. At the Awards on Sunday morning, several of our members received recognition from the sponsors and or companies. Sunnyland is not a judged show, but rather shares awards chosen by the club’s and sponsors.
Bryan Wheeler – Silver Sponsor Award from Carolina Classic Boats and Cars.
Al Olsen – Silver Award presented by Antique Boat Restorations.
Craig Miller – Had a special second year Sponsor Award for Brown Eyed Girl.
Scott Turner – Received the One-of-a-Kind Award.
Steve Dewire – received the Century Boat Club Award.
Overall, many other deserving people received recognition through their different brands and models. Each was sincerely earned!
We look forward to sharing more on the River Cruise’s from those attending…….and look forward to Sunnyland next year!
Please enjoy the photos!
Steve
