The Walloon Woodies & Classic Car Show is one week away!

My father, Jack Kidd, organized the inaugural Walloon Woodies event in the summer of 1992. All these years later, I’m proud to carry on the tradition in his memory and see it grow with the local community. Featuring some of the most significant classic wooden boats and cars in the country, this special event honors and celebrates these important pieces of history. 

No boat is more iconic to the history of Walloon than the beloved 17, and this summer we’re celebrating 90 years of Bill Loughlin’s innovative design. You’ll find the very first 17 sailboat, built by Loughlin and Henry Cawthra during a deep freeze in the winter of 1934, freshly restored and on display in the center of the classic car show at Circle Park. To see the 17 up close in the water, head on down to the Village Docks where a selection of wooden haul 17 sailboats will be rubbing shoulders with some of the most exquisitely crafted wooden motorboats in Northern Michigan.

Icons of Walloon Lake, from the 17 sailboat to my own Chris-Craft, will be moored at the Village Docks from 11am to 12:30 pm. Over at Circle Park, you’ll be treated to an knockout collection of classic cars and the freshly restored haul #1 17 sailboat from 11am to 2:00 pm. Keep your eyes peeled for Walloon’s own plein air painters who will out and about capturing the scene!

The event is free, and sure to be spectacular. We’re excited to see you there!