Popular parade hosted by historical society and lions club
By Barb Pert Templeton
The Brian Cuthbertson Memorial Antique & Classic Boat Parade takes place along the St. Clair River this Saturday, July 4 at 11 a.m. during the Algonac Lions Pickeral Tournament.
The event is sponsored by the Algonac-Clay Historical Society and the Algonac Lions Club.
The Boat Parade will start at the south end of Algonac outside the entrance of the Algonac Harbour Club and end at the Algonac City Boat Ramp, at the end of Smith Street. The parade can be viewed from Algonac’s Riverfront Park.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with historical society member George Burgess to pose some questions about the popular event.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How long has the boat parade been part of the Algonac Pickeral Tournament?
Chris-Craft boats are a popular part of the annual boat parade in Algonac.
George Burgess: The Antique Boat Parade began in July 2013 with the support from the Algonac Lions Pickerel Tournament and continues to the present day.
BWHL: Can you tell me a little about Brian Cutherbertson and why the parade bears his name?
Burgess: Brian Cuthbertson is from a family long associated with boating. Andrew Cuthbertson Brian’s father installed and repaired marine engines. Tom Cuthberson built and restored boats, both brothers had their business next door to each other. Although Brian started out as a school teacher, when his father retired from his business Brian kept the doors open on the engine Society). Brian was always willing to help someone with boating problems or help the needs of the Historical Society.
BWHL: What’s the difference between an antique and a classic boat?
Burgess: In our boat parade the definition of Antique is, “Any Boat 25 Years Old.”
BWHL: Does the boat have to be from certain years – like anything before 1980 or?
Burgess: The Antique and Classic Boat Club Classifications are:
Historic: A boat built up to and including 1918. Classic: A boat built between 1919 and 1942.
Late Classic: A boat built between 1943 and 1978. Contemporary: A wooden Boat built in the last 25 years.
BWHL: What is the cost to register a boat for the parade?
Burgess: There is no registration fee – participation is free.
BWHL: Will the parade include any special banners or touches to honor the 250 Birthday of the USA?
Burgess: There are no regulations on signs or banners.
BWHL: Around how many boats participate in this event annually?
Burgess: The average number of boat participation is 16 to 28 boats.
BWHL: Is this a popular event with crowds at the Pickeral Tournament?
Burgess: The day of the boat parade there is a Car Show in the Algonac Waterfront Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our Antique Boat Parade starts at 11a.m. and we drive our boats past the park. The park has large crowds for the cars and boats.
BWHL: Do you give out any awards at after the parade? If so in what categories?
Burgess: The people in the park can fill out ballots for boat awards in three categories:
Best in Spirit, Best in Maritime Heritage and Dream Boat.
