The main feature for me during this weekend long marine expo included some breath taking radio-controlled scale models powered by steam, battery and also wind power. the Museum's operating pond supported an obstacle course with an off-shore lighthouse and numbered buoys marking the way to a "U" shaped finish line slip where the craft were to wind their way into in an allotted amount of time. There was a set of aluminum field bleachers for easy course viewing and the crowd seemed to become one with each of the joy-stick'd boat operators as they tranversed the waterways and into the port facility.

I was truly impressed with the static displays as well. The collection consisted of many highly-detailed and realistic models from steam launches and skiffs to sleek WW-I cigar shaped torpedo boats with an observation turret ringed with port holes.

One of the adjunct and most important highlights featured during the event were the activities the museum had developed for children. Many of the rubber band paddlewheel craft were already cut out and nearly assembled but all needed painting and their rubber bands or sails set in place and everyone seemed to exhibit a great joy in completing the remaining 'ship yard' taskes to ready their vessels for sea. The maiden voyages were conducted in a small pond ajacent to the tent covered workshop tables and all were quite pleased with the shake-down cruises.

This is a family event I would recommend to all Chesapeake citizens and hope to attend again myself when the 4th annual event rolls around next May.

Walt
PS My only regret is that there wasn't enough time for me to board the visiting SULTANA out of Chestertown or the rest of the museum complex for that matter but the Museum’s Model Guild Shop I peeked in on and was impressed with their toolage and enjoyed their friendly staff!

• RE: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's Expo - Penny-Antique Shop 06/19/2006 14:16:37 EDT (1)
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