By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Soda fountains, sock hops, drive-in theaters, and poodle skirts, sideburns and coon-skin caps — those are some of things that became popular in America during the 1950s.

There were the cars that Americans loved — vehicles that still poll as favorites: 1955 Chevy Bel Air, 1957 Ford Thunderbird, 1956 Chevrolet Corvette and 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. (That’s according to Most Popular Cars of the 1950s by Endurance Warranty.)

This weekend in Naples, the public will be treated to not only a classic car show, set up in the parking spaces along the boardwalk, but also to an antique boat show going on at the town dock.

The Naples Causeway Classic Boat and Car Show will be held on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. As the name of the event implies, it takes place on the Naples Causeway. 

The Mountainview Woodies Chapter of the

Antique Classic Boat Society (ACBS) hosts the annual show; and in fact, started it. The show, which highlights two types of transportation — on land and on water, has been in existence for 29 years now.

There will be such a variety of vintage boats that it will be hard to have just one favorite.

The 1953 Chris-Craft Rocket that will be tied to the Naples Town Dock is owned by Bob Foreman, long-time member of the Mountainview Woodies Chapter of the ACBS. 

Foreman encouraged other local residents and families looking for something to do on Saturday to attend the show. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is when the Antique Boat and Car Show happens.

“Come on down to the boat show. Come see the boats and the cars. It’s bigger and better than ever,” he said. 

Plus, on the evening before the boat and car show, there are some annual activities taking place.   

“Come to the Causeway Friday night for the boat parade and have a good time,” Foreman said. 

On Friday night, the Annual Classic Watercraft Parade takes place. The boats participating are being asked to line up in Brandy Pond around 7:15 p.m. The parade route begins in Brandy Pond and ends up at the town dock on Long Lake.

The boat parade is best seen from along and underneath the Causeway Bridge and Amphitheater areas. Additionally, when in attendance, 1960s Amphicars demonstrate impressive water-launchings at the Causeway Marina ramp from 5 p.m. until the parade begins. 

“As always, the parade and show are free to spectators and entrants, and open to all antique boats on a first come first served basis,” according to Jon March who emcee’s both the parade on Friday and the show on Saturday.  

Undoubtedly, the boat show draws people to the Causeway specifically for the event, March said. It also keeps people in Naples longer, which usually leads to eating out, grabbing an ice cream and/or shopping in Naples.

“The boat show is a major summer attraction in the Lakes Region. The show brings thousands to Naples each summer to revisit the good times of the past,” March said.

“All the Naples businesses will be open to serve customers. The business-owners will be there to ensure you and your friends and family a great time,” he said.

“An exciting new partner this year is Causeway Gifts, located next to Rick’s Cafe. As the official vendor for all the popular show items for purchase, Hannah and other staff will have all the classic show shirts, posters and prints for the home and lake-house,” March said. 

Boat society member Foreman noted that the club’s for-sale items will not be located over by the dock as has been the case in the past.

“The club’s souvenirs are going to be sold in the little building right next to Rick’s, on the corner of Route 114. So, people wanting to buy something can go there,” he said.

“The money ultimately goes to Camp Sunshine. Whatever we raise is for the benefit of Camp Sunshine,” Foreman said. 

March said that a few retro-music performances were scheduled to take place on the same weekend as the classic car and boat show.

“As the perfect entertainment for Naples classics weekend, boat show partner L/A Music will feature one of North America’s most talented Elvis Tributes on Thursday and Sunday at Freedom Cafe. On Thursday at 7 p.m., International award-winning tribute star Roy Leblanc will bring his dynamic Vegas-style tribute to the music of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. On Sunday at noon, Roy will present a second performance, and very special show, featuring Elvis’ personal inspirational-favorites. From Ontario Canada, LeBlanc was first-place winner in one of the largest international entertainment competitions, and both shows are sure to be the perfect way to start and finish the Naples classics weekend,” he said.