By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — If only these boats could see their own reflections in the water, they would fall in love.

There is nothing like a beautiful wooden, vintage boat to turn heads and rev up conversations between strangers.

There is no place like a boat show to welcome those conversations. And, boat owners are more than eager to share their knowledge and experiences and to hear a few compliments.

The 26th Annual Antique and Classic Boat and Car Show will be held on the Naples Causeway on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Saturday is the 26th annual boat show, which includes not only boats but vintage cars as well,” according to part-time resident Jon March, who emcees the show.

“It’s a free show,” March said.

“It is a free show to all participants and attendees. Come on down and stroll around the docks, and relive the good old time of Naples of the past,” he said.

The Mountainview Woodies Classic Boat Club of Maine hosts the show as it has for more than a quarter of a century.

“The show is open to all antique boats and cars,” March said.

He said the early birds get an interesting view of the activity but the event goes through the afternoon.

“From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. is always exciting with people jockeying for a good spot on the docks and on the Causeway,” March said.

Officially, the show starts at 9 a.m.

It is a good time to support the club’s cause by purchasing merchandise.

“Don’t forget the club donates all proceeds of the show to benefit Camp Sunshine. And, to raise money, they sell items. Plus, there is an ongoing raffle. There are always the popular vintage boat-themed T-shirts, clothing and posters. That is under the tent on the town dock,” March said.

The members of Mountainview Woodies boat club and classic boat owners visiting Naples for this event give rides to the children at Camp Sunshine earlier in the week.

Then, on Friday, the boaters gather for a parade on the water.

“A person can kick-start the weekend with the vintage watercraft parade on Friday night,” March said. “The boat parade starts at Brandy Pond, goes under the Bob Neault Memorial Bridge and ends at the town docks.”

The boat parade starts at 7 p.m., Friday.

The fabulous vintage boats, which range from 1920s wooden boats to 1970s fiberglass boats, will go single file under the bridge.

“You will get great views of beautiful vintage boats under their own power for all to enjoy,” March said.

Friday night’s events are situated at the Causeway Marina.

“Amphibious cars are expected to attend this year so bring your phones and cameras,” March said.