The Lakeside Chautauqua Community

Lakeside Wooden Boat Society

Contact This Organization

lakesidewoodenboatsociety@gmail.com

About

The Lakeside Wooden Boat Society (LWBS) was established in 2005. The mission of LWBS was inspired by the role of wooden boats in Lakeside Chautauqua’s history, the art and beauty of wooden boat construction and the passion of Lakeside Chautauqua wooden boat owners. Today, the development and health of the lakefront are important parts of their mission.

The Mission of the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society is to (1) promote the heritage, love and appreciation of the art and craft of wooden boats; (2) promote the development of the Lakeside Chautauqua waterfront through the Master Planning process; and (3) support ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the health of Lake Erie.

How to Support

The Lakeside Wooden Boat Society (LWBS) has made a shift in its operational model. After decades of functioning as a membership-based organization, the society has transitioned to a supporter model. This change aims to broaden our reach and foster greater community engagement. Under the supporter model, the society will no longer require formal memberships with annual dues. Instead, individuals and organizations will have the opportunity to become supporters contributing directly to the core elements of our mission – to promote the heritage, love and appreciation of the art and craft of wooden boats; promote the development of the Lakeside Chautauqua waterfront through the Master Planning process; and support ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the health of Lake Erie. This shift to the supporter model is expected to attract a broader base of support and secure a sustainable future for the society while celebrating the timeless art of wooden boats.

LWBS looks forward to the continued support of the Lakeside community as it embarks on this new journey. Thank you for your support. To become a supporter

DOWNLOAD & RETURN THE SUPPORTER FORM or MAKE CONTRIBUTION ONLINE

Additional Information

LWBS 2024 Programs & Strategies

Blessing of the Fleet (June 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.)
Join us at the lakefront for this free and inspiring program.
Youth Pond Boat Classes (6 classes each week)
Registration and payment is managed through the Rhein Center.
Wooden Boat Rides on a classic wooden boat Miss Muffet. Check events calendar for payment and registration.
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” LWBS Fundraiser Dinner (6 p.m. June 28, Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile)
Annual Wooden Boat Show (July 14, 12-4 p.m. at Dock & Hotel Lakeside lawn)
Pirate Adventures: (June 16, July 21 and August 4 at 6 p.m., In the case of inclement weather, this program will be canceled and rescheduled for the following Tuesday at 6 p.m., weather permitting.)
Children ages 7-11. Check events calendar for payment and registration.
Gilligan’s Island Adventure (July 17 and August 7 at 5:45 p.m.)
Supporting the Lake Erie Foundation in its efforts to foster the health of the lake (on-going).
Engaging with the Lakeside Chautauqua Board of Directors and other Lakeside organizations and individuals to create a path and process to the development of a specific Master Plan for the lakefront. Use of LWBS funds for “seeding” of these efforts has been approved.

Lakeside Wooden Boat Show & Plein Air Art Festival

The annual Lakeside Wooden Boat Show & Plein Air Art Festival in July is a unique event that not only showcases the craftsmanship of the wooden boats, but highlights paintings of Lakeside scenes rendered by Plein Air artists. Classic wooden boats are exhibited on the lawn of Hotel Lakeside and the dock, weather permitting. Also on the grounds, Plein Air artists sell artwork in a Wet Paint Sale. The day includes food, fun, art and entertainment. For more information about registering your wooden boat, contact Mame Drackett.

Youth Pond Boat Building Classes

The LWBS offers four different Pond Boat Building Classes under the direction of society volunteers. Using hammers, simple saws and a drill press, children are guided using built jigs and pre-cut parts. Children ages 4-12 may build a puddle boat. Pre-registration can be completed online through the Rhein Center.

Wooden Boat Rides, Cruises & Charters

The LWBS offers a variety of summer boating events, including 30-minute boat rides and hour-long sunset cruises. For more information about booking a wooden boat ride or sunset cruise, check the events calendar or visit the Waterfront Rental Center. All cruises are determined by weather. In the event of inclement weather, cruises will be cancelled if they are not able to be rescheduled.

Private charters are also available to cruise the Lake Erie islands for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or other special events. Contact the Conference & Event Planning Office at 419-798-4461, ext. 279 or tbarger@lakesideohio.com to book a private charter. Reservations may be cancelled by calling Conference & Event Planning Office at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure. Cancellations less than 24 hours will be charged.

Support Lakeside Chautauqua

Lakeside Chautauqua is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of families, friends, volunteers and its dedicated staff. Our Chautauqua programming and upkeep of the facilities and grounds are made possible through the philanthropic support of generous Lakesiders like you.