There were 25 wonderful wooden boats at the 2013 Wooden Boat Show at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais June 21 – 23. Damp weather did not deter boat enthusiasts. Some of the beautiful boats on display were launched for the boat parade on Friday, June 21. Narrated by North House instructor Ted Gephardt, parade watchers said this year’s water parade was the best ever.
Visitors to the 2013 Wooden Boat Show were not deterred by the chilly weather, the fog or a little bit of rain. In fact, the drizzle added a little extra sheen to the 25 polished wooden boats on display on the North House Folk School waterfront campus Friday through Sunday, June 22 – 23.
The cool weather was a bit challenging for the folks demonstrating traditional crafts on the commons, but they covered up or ducked into a building for a bit and carried on.
“Boats and Things That Float” were part of the auctions on Saturday. There was friendly competition during the silent auction and exciting bidding in the live auction. Happy bidders carried off stacks of books, antique tools, works of art and more. Thoreau’s Cabin and a sturdy timber frame were auctioned off. For anyone interested, North House Executive Director Greg Wright said a dovetail sauna is still “on the block.”
Visitors enjoyed the speaker series and solstice storytelling—and of course the Solstice Pageant, which took the delighted crowd through the seasons.
Left: North House carving instructor Bruce Futterer puts the finishing touches on a bearded face. Futterer was one of the artisans braving the chilly weather on the commons. Above left: Jarrod Stehahl demonstrated the craft of wooden spoon making. Above right: Brightening the foggy day were Karen Rognsvoog’s scarves, created using natural plant dyes.
Overall, it was another successful Wooden Boat Show and Solstice Pageant. Executive Director Greg Wright said, “A little fog and cool temps were no match for the warm spirit of the Wooden Boat Show. All of our speaker sessions were really well attended. There were 200 diners at our Chowder Chowdown!
“Everyone could have stayed home and read a book, but instead they broke out their rain gear and put on some fleece and enjoyed the weekend,” said Wright.
Mark your calendar for next year’s event on June 20 – 22, 2014.
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