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Friday and Saturday, July 22 & 23, 2011
Third Annual Torch Lake Rendezvous
Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show

Held each year in July, Cruising for the Cure Torch Lake Rendezvous is a non-profit charitable event organized by the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, Inc. which receives community support and sponsorship from several local business leaders and individuals recognized in our event programs.

Nestled in the quiet Harbors of Clam River, adjacent to beautiful Torch Lake near Bellaire, Michigan, the Cruising for the Cure Torch Lake Rendezvous is an in water antique and classic wooden boat exhibition, parade of boats, and photo shoot dedicated to the memory of Jane H. Thie. Net proceeds from the event go to the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, Inc. and benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Michigan’s only hospital focused solely on cancer, in its efforts in advancing ongoing research in the early detection and eradication of pancreatic cancer.

Classic and antique wooden boats built prior to and including 1969, as well as boats of wooden construction built post 1969, that receive an invitation or are home to Antrim County’s Chain-O-Lakes region will be on display.  Most of these vintage entries are actively used during the summer months and arrive by water from Lake Bellaire, Clam Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, Torch Lake, and other tributaries of Antrim County’s picturesque Chain-O-Lakes.

The 2011 parade of boats will highlight one of Bellaire's own as we honor Bob Vander Meulen as our Parade Grand Marshall.  Bob has been a very integral part of the Chain-O-Lakes wooden boat community for many years keeping our engines (his children) running smoothly season after season.  The parade of boats will depart from DeWitt Marine at 3:30 PM on Saturday, July 23rd and will proceed along the southern shoreline of Clam Lake circling back through Clam River and out onto Torch Lake.

We are honored to have with us again at this year's event our distinguished guest, Chris Smith.  Chris Smith, grandson of the legendary Christopher Columbus Smith, founder of Chris Craft, is an abundant source of knowledge concerning various construction methods used in the production of numerous Chris Craft models.  There are plenty of memorable stories which accompany Chris's knowledge as he worked in many of the plants which produced the antique wooden gems many enjoy.

We are once again kicking off this year's festivities with our signature pre-event reception "Party on the Pier" on Friday evening at The Dockside.  Through the Dockside's generous sponsorship, this event features great food, great drink, and great fun along with splendid silent auction items.  The cost is $25 per person.  Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.  Call (810)441-4792 to order tickets.

Schedule of Events

Sponsors

Cruising for the Cure is very thankful for the generous support from local business, law enforcement, friends, and family.  A special thanks to sponsors who make this event exceptional.