Our 43nd ANNUAL SUNNYLAND ANTIQUE BOAT FESTIVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR
March 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2024
Our 43nd ANNUAL SUNNYLAND ANTIQUE BOAT FESTIVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR March 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2024
The Annual Sunnyland Boat Festival on Lake Dora is the largest Antique and Classic boating event on the East Coast. People from more than 30 States will be in attendance this year. The event is located at Wooten Waterfront Park in downtown Tavares, Florida and directly on Lake Dora, the 3 day show offers fun for all folks interested in antique and classic boating. Below is some key information to make your visit more enjoyable when you visit our show.
General Show Information
- We have all new docks and a larger show footprint The show begins Friday at 9:00AM and ends on Sunday, at Noon weather permitting.
- Ticket prices are $10.00 for the three day weekend.
- Sea Tow Members show your card and buy one get one free
- The show site address is123 South Joanna Ave, Tavares Florida 32778.
- GPS coordinates are 28.48.043N 81.43.655W
- Parking is available at the City of Tavares Parking Garage, located 2 blocks from the show site (off of St. Abrams at the west traffic circle)
- The City of Tavares welcomes leashed pets to events on six foot leads.
- Food and beverages are available for purchase at the show
- Restaurants and shopping are within walking distance of the show
- In addition to the Boat Festival, there are Seaplane rides available
- See the City of Tavares web site for more information www.tavares.org or www.tavareschamber.com
- General Admission $10.00 for General Admission. (Cash or Credit Card Sales at the gate available) Includes all three days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Children 12 and under free with paid adult admission (limit three per adult ticket)
- Free Parking at the City Garage
Schedule of Events
Thursday March 21st 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Show load in day for all boats and displays
- Registration opens after first coffee break say 7:30am
- Enter registration from main street onto south Joanna avenue
- Follow our volunteer helpers as to where to go, and what to do next
- City Reception Tavares Pavilion 6pm – 9pm Registration and event ticket(s) required
Friday March 22nd 7:00am to sunset (gates close at 5:00pm to public)
- Free Parking in City Garage and shuttle to show Main Entrance
- show credential required for 7am entrance, else gates open at 8am
- Docks open at 7am and close at 5pm docks locked after sun set
- ( please do not block gate open, you may let show credentialed participants in on your way out, closing the gate! )
- All exhibits open
- Note: Many boats will be away from the docks from 10:00am to 2:00pm ( Dora Canal Cruise)
- World famous Dora Canal Cruise and Picnic ( 10am to 2pm Lunch at Hickory Point 12 noon )
- Hickory Point by Boat or Car. Follow boat parade or water/car map in your packet
- Sunnyland Ship’s Store clothing, boat show items for sale including 2024 Show tee shirts and Posters for sale
- Nautical Flea Market
- Field of Dreams (Antique Boats for Sale)
- pre car show at Tavares Square
- Food Court and Beer Garden
- Sea Plane Rides available (Tickets required, Jones Brothers Aviation)
- Captains Party 6pm to 9pm Registration and event ticket(s) required
Saturday March 23rd 7:00am to sunset (gates close at 5:00pm to public)
- Free Parking in City Garage and shuttle to show Main Entrance
- show credential required for 7am entrance, else gates open at 8am
- Docks open at 7am and close at 5pm docks locked after sun set
- ( please do not block gate open, you may let show credentialed participants in on your way out, closing the gate! )
- All Exhibits open
- 9:00AM Opening Ceremony Sunnyland and US Coast Guard, color guard (all boats quiet at dock side)
- Symposiums – schedule TBD
- 11:30 AM Ladies Luncheon & Fashion Show at Puddle Jumpers 2nd floor – Event Ticket Required
- Festival Of Speed – (Tavares Square) over 30 antique and classic cars to complement our beautiful boats on display
- Free Symposiums see posted schedule at information tent
- Food Court and Beer Garden
- Nautical Flea Market
- Field of Dreams (Antique boats for sale)
- Youth Activity Events at the SCAMPY tent
- Woody Cars on display
- Amphicars on display
- Sea Plane Rides. Jones Brothers Aviation – Tickets required
- Sunnyland Boat Festival Banquet 7pm to 10pm (registration and event ticket(s) required)
Sunday March 24 7:00am to 12:00pm
- Free Parking in City Garage
- show credential required for 7am entrance, else gates open at 8am
- Boats pulled from water display at 12 noon (schedule time when launching)
- Boats pulled from land display 1pm. ( order TBD )
- Awards Ceremony 10:00AM Multiuse tent
- Church Services at 11:00pm Multiuse tent
- Food Court and Beer Garden
- Ships store
- Nautical Flea Market
- Field of Dreams (Antique Boats for sale)
- post car show
- Shows starts to wind down at 1pm
- Open admission after 1:00pm
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival is in its 43rd year and is the largest classic wood boat show in the U.S. Our footprint is over a third of a mile long and we usually have 250 to 300 boats on display. Our gate attracts 8 to 10 thousand people and there is literally something for everyone at our event.
The Sunnyland Chapter is the largest chapter in the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) and represents the entire state of Florida. Our show is run with all volunteer help. This is our 43rd anniversary show and each year our show gets bigger and better. The show started in Sanford, moved to Mount Dora and for the past 15 years the show has been in Tavares.
- This is a historical event for the Sunnyland Chapter, please plan to join us for fun in the sun.
- Our nautical flea market has more than 80 vendors with many hard to find marine parts for sale.
- We will have several stunning outboard motors on display as well as numerous race boats.
- Our annual event is in conjunction with spring break as is the kick-off show for the boating season.
- People from all over the U.S. attend our show and we have representation from over 26 different states.
- We have several corporate sponsors that make our show a success and they offer many marine products to include new and restored vintage boats.
