MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO / WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

A vintage wooden boat cruises Cranberry Lake during the Cranberry Lake Boat Club's show and parade.

 
 
Boat show makes social splash in Cranberry Lake
SIXTH ANNUAL EVENT: Some visitors take trips around water in canoes and motorized crafts

By DAVID WINTERS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Sunday, July 01, 2007

CRANBERRY LAKE — A paddle and a life jacket were necessities for those wanting to "test-drive" several canoes and kayaks on the tranquil Cranberry Lake.

The Cranberry Lake Boat Club sponsored the sixth annual boat show and parade Saturday at the Town of Clifton Beach Park. More than 100 people turned out for the event, mostly talking about their winter vacations and plans for the remainder of summer.

"This is a community event," boat club Commodore Clint Farnsworth said. "The boats are an excuse to get together and see your friends."

Several boat club members huddled around several custom-made canoes while eating hamburgers, hot dogs and brownies. Children also were splashing around the edge of the water using buckets or small plastic shovels to douse each other.

Proceeds from the food sale were donated to the Cranberry Lake Volunteer Fire Department. The club also was selling postcards, pictures and a book describing the history of the area.

Edward L. Vanapps, a boat club member originally from Rochester, became a year-round resident a few years ago after visiting Cranberry Lake for several summers. He recalled making family trips to the small town in the Adirondack Park as a child.

"It is a pristine lake that hasn't been discovered," Mr. Vanapps said.

The event also allowed boat owners, either paddling or using an outboard motor, to take a trip around the lake, Mr. Farnsworth said. The Adirondack Lake and Trail Outfitters of Saranac Lake were on hand showing off several 2007 kayak models, allowing club members and community residents to take them for a spin.


MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO /
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

A vintage wooden boat cruises Cranberry Lake during the Cranberry Lake Boat Club's show and parade.

"It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy themselves," Mr. Farnsworth said.

The boat club was established in 1909 and has a membership of about 250 people. The boat club is also hosting its annual meeting and banquet at 5 p.m. July 14 at the Cranberry Lake Lodge and picnic at 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Pinecone Restaurant in Wanakena.

Those interested in becoming members can submit an e-mail to cranberrylakeboatclub@yahoo.com.




Reprinted by permission

Watertown Daily Times

Bob Gorman, Managing Editor








Corrections by CLBC:

"Vanapps" should be "VanEpps".

"Proceeds from the food sale were donated to the Cranberry Lake Volunteer Fire Department." should be "Proceeds from the food sale were donated to the Cranberry Lake Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.".