COOK - Boaters and enthusiasts alike will have a chance to view antique and classic wooden boats on Lake Vermilion this Labor Day weekend.

The 29th annual Lake Vermilion Antique and Classic Boat show will have a few dozen boats on display on Sunday, Sept. 2, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Landing Restaurant, located seven miles north of Cook on Hwy. 24.

“Everyone there who is bringing a boat is pretty proud of what they have,” co-organizer Jeff Stebbins said. “There is always a good story with every boat purchase. Many of the people who display do the restoration themselves. There is a misconception that owning a wood boat is a lot of work to maintain.”

He said while the restoration work can be hard, once that is done, the maintenance on the craft is quite easy. He added many of the boaters have some prior experience with woodworking.

Stebbins said the majority of the work in restoring the boats is done by the boaters themselves, and most are self-taught. Many are also part of the local chapter of the Boat Restoration Society, which is nationally based out of Clayton, N.Y.

This year’s show will not only feature antique boats, but also honorary sponsors including the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade, which will show off much of the equipment they use when fighting fires on the lake.

The Vermilion Lake Association will also have a table set up for people to obtain more information on their projects. A special lunch will also be served at the Landing Restaurant beginning at 11 a.m. with live music performed by the band, Bittersweet.

Stebbins said it is a misconception that when people attend the show, all of the boats are made of wood. And while the show does have the reputation as a “wooden” boat show, several other types are showcased including early aluminum boats designed and constructed after the Second World War.Stebbins said, though there is something special about the wooden boats, and they still do make up the majority of the boats shown

“The old boats please all of the senses,” he said. “There is nothing like a ride on the boats, or the smell of mahogany and varnish.”

For many, the show also serves as a gateway into the hobby, allowing them to ask questions of real boat owners before deciding if the hobby is worth it.

“Some may already have grandpa’s boat and don’t know where to start,” Stebbins said. “Others don’t have anything and are interested in getting involved in the hobby.”

Many of the boat owners are happy to share their experience.

For those wishing to attend, the cost is free. For more information on the show, call Stebbins at 218-666-5556 or email him at jstebbins@gentryconstruction.com. For boat owners, the cost to show their boat is $45 and includes dinner for two.