Boat Show, Part II

Not all the boats at the Show were in the water.  One tent held a display of model boats made by guys who clearly have both a lot of skill and time on their hands!  I'm always amazed at the detail these model makers build into their projects.

A wonderful addition to your bathtub toys!

Crafts are a familiar feature of summer shows and festivals.  This year's Wooden Boat Show attracted a couple dozen crafters who set up their tents along the marina's walk.  Among them were Sharon and Attila, whose Kettle Korn stall had Show goers buzzing around like bees.  They could hardly keep up with demand!  Also buzzing around was the county health department inspector who was making sure that food vendors observed all the sanitation rules.  Friends at St. John's, Grand Haven, know this drill.  Attila and Sharon have been through countless inspections, and their stall passed with no difficulty.  However, the inspector dropped some information worth considering.  While she carefully inspects popcorn vendors at fairs, festivals, and shows, the health department does not inspect those popcorn machines which have become a common while-you-wait distraction in bank lobbies.  Heaven only knows whose grubby paws have been into your bank's latest batch of warm munchies!

Sharon and Attila — before the popcorn rush began.

Attila waits while the inspector fills out her checklist.

The Show was also an opportunity to see my neighbors, who were out in force during the morning.  I've christened this group the Lake Esau Mafia, because they are so politically active at the local level and a group whose opinions are not to be ignored.

Neighbor Sharon (left) munches Kettle Korn while chatting
up a couple of her friends.

Yet another neighbor Sharon (right) hawks sweatshirts
for the Presque Isle Women's Club.

Floyd, my next door neighbor, looks over old
photos at the Lighthouse Museum Society booth.

Although not myself a crafter, I have to admire the creativity people bring to their jewelry, woven goods, lawn ornaments, rustic furniture, and all the other items for sale at the Show.  One which especially caught my eye was the bird feeder shown below.  I'm not quite sure how it works — that is, where you put the seed — but a buyer can be sure no one on his/her block will have a feeder anything like this!

A one-of-a-kind fanciful feeder.

I'll have to see what other festivals are coming up this summer in Northeastern Michigan.  They are a good excuse to jump in the car and see the region. •••