Listed events take place along the waterfronts of our heartland lakes and waterways. Venues are always within easy walking distance from docks.
Chicago
Jellies
Dec. 26-May 28, 2012
(312) 939-2438
www.sheddaquarium.org
The newest exhibit at Shedd Aquarium, Jellies, offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep—sea jellies. Discover how these translucent animals have thrived on Earth for millions of years.
FEBRUARY
Hartford, Ill.
Eagles Over the Confluence
Jan. 14-Feb. 11
(618) 251-9101
http://confluencetower.com
Eagle activities featured at the tower on these Saturdays—wood carvers, ice sculptors, children’s activities.
Alton, Ill.
Eagle Meet & Greet Sundays
Feb. 5 &12
1-877-462-6979
www.meetingoftherivers.org
See bald eagles, learn about their habits and habitats.
Miami
Annual Boat Show Kickoff Party
Feb. 15
(772) 232-6457
E-mail: turnkeypr@comcast.net
This annual event, hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club and the Florida Yacht Brokers Association at the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show Cocktail Barge, benefits Shake-A-Leg Miami. It starts just prior to the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show and Miami International Boat Show.
Alton, Ill.
Masters of the Sky
Feb. 18-20
1-877-462-6979
www.meetingoftherivers.org
Come see the “Masters of the Sky” show featuring raptors, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary, plus children’s crafts and a 15-minute film.
Alton, Ill.
Masters of the Sky Eagle Tours
Feb. 18-20
(618) 466-8693
www.BluffCityTours.com
A 45-minute taste of eagle viewing.
Louisville
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge
Feb. 25
(502) 574-3768
www.louisvillewaterfront.com
Amazing but true—the Plunge attracts more than 1,000 people willing to jump into the icy Ohio River to raise money for Special Olympics. Brrr!
Langley, Okla.
11th Annual Heartland Classics Restoration Workshop
Feb. 25
(918) 230-4508
www.heartland-classics.org
Bring your questions, because speakers at this workshop will be covering a wide range of subjects. Suitable for everyone from hobbyist to master restorer.
MARCH
Lexington, Ky.
Kentucky Crafted: The Market
March 3-4
(502) 564-3757
http://1.usa.gov/Market2012 or http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov
Where tradition meets cutting edge, find paintings, prints, jewelry, wearable art, home décor, furniture and artisan foods; also live music, children’s activities, and art and literary workshops. Although the Lexington Convention Center is not on the waterfront, Ed Lawrence of the Kentucky Arts Council assures us that “if boaters can make it to Louisville on the Ohio River or Boonesboro on the Kentucky River, we’d be glad to pick them up.”
Chicago
Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier
March 10-18
(312) 595-5440
www.chicagoflower.com
Visit Navy Pier for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show to see 25 stunning gardens displaying the latest flower and plant design trends. Then cruise Lake Michigan with a sumptuous lunch, music, and fun!
Newport, Ky.
Belle of Cincinnati St Patrick’s Day Party
March 17
1-800-261-8586 or (859) 261-8500
bbriverboats.com
Sip green beer, enjoy the views and celebrate all things Irish on the region’s flagship riverboat, the Belle of Cincinnati.
Rock Island, Ill.
QCCA Lawn, Garden, and Flower Show
March 23-25
(309) 788-5912
www.qccaexpocenter.com
Walk into springtime at the QCCA Lawn & Garden Show, featuring more than 20,000 square feet of blooming flowers, dazzling ponds and waterfalls.
Tavares, Fla.
Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival
March 23-25
(352) 787-5777
http://acbs-sunnyland.org
Nation’s largest Antique and Classic Boat Society puts on this event, which can draw as many as 10,000 visitors.
APRIL
Afton, Wis.
Afton Hudson Cruise Lines Easter Brunch Cruise
April 8
(651) 436-8883
www.aftonhouseinn.com
Easter Brunch, available on the St Croix River.
Newport, Ky.
Belle of Cincinnati Easter Cruise
April 8
1-800-261-8586 or (859) 261-8500
bbriverboats.com
Celebrate Easter and the coming of spring with a buffet meal and outstanding views. With the Easter Bunny.
New Orleans
Navy-OpSail Visits
April 17-23
(202) 685-0210
www.navy.mil, www.history.navy.mil
Did you know the national anthem was written during the War of 1812? This event celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the “Star-Spangled Banner” is co-sponsored by the U.S. Navy and Operation Sail, Inc. Activities during the week include parades of tall sailing ships, air shows, and athletic competitions.
Apalachicola, Fla.
14th Annual Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show
April 20-21
(850) 653-9419
E-mail: info@apalachicolabay.org
www.apalachicolabay.org
Boat-building demo, gaff-rigged schooner, displays about Apalachicola River, Riverkeeper guided tours, dinner and lecture—all in addition to classic and traditional vessels on display. This year’s focus on Apalach’s maritime history pulls in oyster boats, workboats, a 50-foot traders’ canoe and home-built boats.
Vicksburg, Miss.
8th Annual BluzCruz Canoe and Kayak Race
April 28
(601) 415-4615 (Wayne Pratt)
E-mail: river.paddler@yahoo.com
www.bluzcruz.com
This 22-mile canoe and kayak race on the Mississippi River takes place in conjunction with the Vicksburg Riverfest & the Annual Arts & Crafts Show. It begins at city front; fees go to support the Service Over Self Organization.
MAY
Afton, Wis.
Cinco de Mayo Cruise
May 4
(651) 436-8883
www.StCroixRiverCruises.com
A 2 1/2-hour cruise on the St Croix River with Mexican dinner and live dance band.
Cincinnati
Flying Pig Marathon
May 5-6
(513) 721-PIGS (7447)
flyingpigmarathon.com
Annual local marathon includes a whole weekend of fun and running. Routes take participants along the river and across bridges from Cincinnati into Northern Kentucky and back.
Afton, Wis.
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruise
May 13
(651) 436-8883
www.aftonhouseinn.com
Afton Hudson Cruise on the St Croix River.
Cincinnati
Showboat Majestic
May 16-June 3
(513) 241-6550
showboatmajestic.com
“Babes in Hollywood;” live theater on the Ohio River!
JUNE
Grand Lake, Okla.
19th Annual Grand Lake Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Festival
June 8-9
(918) 633-7153
E-mail: phennage@southernmaterial.com
www.heartland-classics.org
Festival showcases more than 60 antique and classic boats, and in addition sponsors cruises to Grand Lake hot spots.
Cincinnati
Paddlefest 2012
June 21-23
(513) 588-6936
E-mail: info@ohioriverway.org
www.ohioriverway.org
New events this year include standup paddle-board races, mini-dragonboat races, and all-day boat demos. Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, June 21, features towboat tours, bike rodeo, petting zoo and paddling. Group reservations strongly suggested.
JULY
Hastings, Minn.
Rivertown Days
July 20-22
(651) 437-6775
www.hastingsmn.org
This citywide riverfront festival incorporates music, arts and crafts fair, a parade, carnival, tournaments and fireworks.
SEPTEMBER
Table Rock Lake, Mo.
ACBS Meeting & International Boat Show
Sept. 17-22
1-800-225-6343 or (417) 335-2777
www.heartland-classics.org/2012
The Antique and Classic Boat Society convenes its annual meeting at Big Cedar Lodge, on the shores of Table Rock Lake, in 2012.
OCTOBER
Madisonville, La.
Wooden Boat Festival
Oct. 12-14
(985) 845-9200
E-mail: info@lpbmm.org
www.lpbmm.org
Starting on Friday with the Maritime Mania Party, the festival celebrates 23 years. This family event is presented by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Food, music, classic cars, and admission fee also lets you into the museum.
POKER RUNS
3rd Annual Watts Bar Lake Poker Run
Watts Bar Lake
July 9
Sponsored by Terrace View Marina and other local businesses
Safe Haven Light for abused, neglected and at-risk children
(423) 365-2577
www.wattsbarpokerrun.com
Lake Cumberland Poker Run
Sept 9-11
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