Skaneateles will be busy this month with two of its signature summer events returning to the village, bringing sidewalk sales, local vendors, family activities and classic boats to one of the Finger Lakes’ most popular downtowns.
The Skaneateles Curbstone Festival and Sidewalk Sales will run July 9 through 11, followed by the Antique and Classic Boat Show from July 24 through 26 at Clift Park. Charlene Holmes-Sullivan, assistant director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, and Janice Miller, a boat show committee member and past president of the Finger Lakes chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, discussed both events during this week’s episode of “FLX Weekly” on FingerLakes1.com.
Holmes-Sullivan said the Curbstone Festival gives visitors a chance to shop throughout downtown Skaneateles while also meeting local artisans and Chamber members who do not have traditional storefronts.
More than 50 stores and vendors are expected to participate. Many downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts and sidewalk sales, while online-only vendors and local makers will set up in person for the event.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 9 and 10, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11.
Holmes-Sullivan said the festival is built around the full Skaneateles experience, not just shopping. Families can expect free children’s entertainment, including a wandering balloon magician and face painting. Visitors can also take in the lakefront, explore restaurants and shops, or take a ride on the Judge Ben Wiles tour boat while in town.
A shuttle will run during the festival from the lower high school parking lots into the village. Holmes-Sullivan said the shuttle is designed to ease concerns about parking during one of the community’s busier summer weekends. The shuttle is sponsored by the Skaneateles Community Center.
The Chamber’s website includes a list of participating businesses and special offers.
The Antique and Classic Boat Show returns later in the month, bringing a wide range of boats to Clift Park and the north end of Skaneateles Lake.
Miller said this year’s show will feature several boats that have not appeared at the event before, including a large cigar-style boat similar to those associated with “Miami Vice.” The show will include wood, fiberglass and aluminum boats, along with water and land displays.
The boat show runs from 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday, July 25, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Admission is free.
Miller said the show is a premier event for classic boating enthusiasts, with 13 judges coming from across the country. Boat owners may choose to have their vessels judged, with categories based on age and type.
The event is also designed for families. Children can take part in junior judging, where they learn what judges look for when reviewing boats. They also receive a hat and shirt and get to vote for an award. Crafts and live music are also planned throughout the weekend.
One of the highlights will be a boat parade at 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Miller said the boats will travel slowly along the seawall, giving spectators a close view and a chance to take photos.
On Sunday, visitors can get aboard the Judge Ben Wiles for a photo shoot as antique boats circle the tour boat, offering close-up views of the vessels underway.
Miller said many boat owners enjoy answering questions and sharing the stories behind their boats, some of which have been carefully restored and maintained for decades. One 1925 Hackercraft expected at this year’s show is marking its 100th year and has been part of the Skaneateles show for years.
A shuttle will also operate during the boat show from the high school parking area to the village.
Both events are part of the broader summer draw in Skaneateles, where visitors regularly come for the lakefront, restaurants, shops and walkable downtown. Holmes-Sullivan said the Chamber’s work is helped by a strong local business community and a setting that already draws people to the village.
“We just want people to experience what we are able to live in every day,” she said.
Miller said the boat show depends on sponsors, volunteers and coordination between local organizations. She said support from businesses and community members helps keep the event free and accessible.
The Skaneateles Curbstone Festival runs July 9 through 11. The Antique and Classic Boat Show follows July 24 through 26.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.