Vintage boats, cars and more are on display with several events designed to highlight the classics
Classic cars aren’t the only mechanical beauties the Coeur d’Alene area is happy to showcase. On Aug. 24-25, visitors will be treated to an extraordinary display of more than 40 boats, from magnificent antique wooden boats to vintage aluminum and fiberglass models during the 2019 COEUR D’ALENE CLASSIC BOAT SHOW.
This is the 12th year the Antique and Classic Boat Society has put on the free event, which typically draws up to 10,000 visitors to the area. It takes place at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Hotel marina and floating boardwalk, which has actually been hosting similar events for more than 20 years.
The stories are as intriguing as the boats are beautiful. There’s “At Last,” Carolyn and Daryl Reynolds’ 1936 Chris Craft, which the couple restored and named to honor later-in-life blessings like marriage, children and the opportunity to restore a truly magnificent boat. Murray Danzig’s “Jefe” and Jim Edwards’ “Pure” are exotic beauties, crafted of African mahogany and Western red cedar, while John and Jan Keener gave “Donna Rossa” new life after its brief time on the Great Lakes.
In addition to boats, a selection of wood-paneled vintage vehicles known as “woodies” will be on display, so make a day of it with a picnic lunch or plan for a shared meal at any of more than a dozen restaurants within walking distance of the resort, including their own restaurants: Dockside and Beverly’s. It’s sure to be a day of reminiscing about the past, maybe even dreaming about your future as a vintage vehicle or vessel owner.
And if the prospect of viewing classic cars has your motor revving, mark you calendar for the annual COASTER CLASSIC CAR SHOW at Silverwood Theme Park Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, free with paid admission to the park.
For the 14th consecutive year, classic cars of all makes and models have rolled into Silverwood over Labor Day weekend, some dating as far back as the 1930s. Cars will be competing across several categories, including “rat rods,” best paint, trucks of the ’50s, American sports cars through 1985, and best vintage cars. Sponsored by the Inland Empire, Lilac City, Late Great Chevy Club 55-72, the classic car show invites viewers to vote too!
If bragging rights aren’t enough and you’re tempted to bring your pristine, vintage mustang to the show, know that the $20 participant entry to the car show (or $35 for both days) provides each driver and one passenger free admission into the theme park. That means competitors can put down the polish and get some thrills on the park’s roller coasters and water slides.
Special Events
North Idaho State Fair
AUGUST 21-25
Five days of fair fun begins on Wednesday, Aug. 21, when Kootenai County Fairgrounds hosts the North Idaho State Fair. More than a half-dozen musical performers are scheduled every day, in addition to a bevy of entertainment from the extreme bulls rodeo, a demolition derby, the Top Cop High Dive Show, a petting zoo, and of course, all kinds of food booths. Adults $8, seniors, youth and military $8, children 5 and under free. See visitcda.org for exhibit and carnival hours.
Ride and Dine
AUGUST 23
Savor the final days of summer with a scenic gondola ride, live music and a mountaintop barbecue at Silver Mountain. Dinner is served 2-8 pm, and live music from Gemini Dei begins performing at 5 pm. Tickets are $33.95 for adults or $50.95 with a mountain bike ticket included.
Smokey Joe’s Cafe
AUGUST 22-25
Set in the idealized ’50s, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, is a compelling musical about love lost and won, brought to life with some of the greatest songs ever recorded. $49 adult, $42 senior, $27 child; Friday-Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm; Salvation Army Kroc Center.
