Thousands of people visited the Sunshine Coast Wooden Boat Festival last weekend to share their love of wooden vessels.
"It was hailed by some of the participant vessels as the best boat festival they have ever attended," said Scott Baker, one of the organizers of the event.
Visitors to the boat show toured more than 20 wooden boats of all shapes and sizes docked at the Porpoise Bay marina for the three-day event. Many also made wooden boats of their own with donated wood from Gibsons Building Supplies and help from Sam and Shaun Reid of Raven Wood Services. Some took part in blindfolded rowboat races and many enjoyed the live music being performed on the pier while eating grilled burgers and hotdogs.
"There was definitely something for everyone," said Baker.
There was even a special surprise for co-organizer Kellei Bulmer. Baker proposed to her during a pre-arranged serenade by Joe Stanton.
"Kellei said yes to applause and tears of joy all-around, including Joe, who admitted having to struggle to keep singing. You never know what might happen at this festival," said Baker.
Baker met Bulmer at the festival last year and felt it fitting to propose at the place they met.
There was so much happening at the festival, organizers have not been able to tally all of the money raised yet, but Baker says they should have a total by the end of the week.
Admission to the event was $2 per person or $5 per family and more than 2,000 people attended the weekend event. Halfmoon Bay Coast Guard members also sold food, raffle tickets, T-shirts and posters to fundraise for their new vessel.
