Wooden Boat Show has the customs and classics

COEUR d'ALENE - Maritime mateys and land lovers alike can enjoy a nautical good time this weekend during the 28th annual Coeur d'Alene Wooden Boat Show at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Boardwalk.

The two-day boat expo has more than 30 entries, featuring a variety of vintage "woodies," custom watercraft and handmade kayaks.

"There are so many people in our area who have beautiful boats," said Diane Higdem, events coordinator and Commodores liaison for the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce. "The draw to Coeur d'Alene is the accessibility. We've got everything right there, right downtown, right there on the water."

The 2014 Wooden Boat Show, presented by the Chamber, will include a plethora of makes and models in all sizes. Among the boats entered in the show are the "Happydaze," a 1948 Chris-Craft Sedan Cruiser, a 1985 three-masted frigate named the "Spirit Wind" and "Mollie," a 1932 Gar Wood Resorter.

Higdem mentioned a special edition Stancraft wooden pontoon boat that will also be available for viewing, as well as an award-winning boat belonging to skipper BK Powell.

"They took it down to Tahoe and just really did a great job," she said.

Awards will be given to boats and their owners this evening and many will be on display as the show continues Sunday. Higdem said a new award - the Tom Addis Best of Show Award - will be introduced to acknowledge a long-time local boat show supporter.

"This year, we decided to create an award to honor his generosity, contributions and support," she said.

The public is invited to view the boats from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The event is free.

Info: www.cdachamber.com.