Island Dispatch, 2006-09-15

              ISLAND Dispatch S Niagara Frontier Publications proud publishers of Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver www.wnypapers.com for Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 V01.62 No. 26 September 15, 2006 28 Pages $1.00 GI fights cancer page 2 Grand Island votes page 3 Vikings bounce back page 16 Island's biggest boat show ever Story and photos by Michael J. Owen U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.) "The show was the biggest and best ever, and every boat had a story," said Kich DeGlopper, describing last weekend's 29th annual Antique and Classic Boat Show and Race Boat Reunion. The Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society presented the "Shuffle Off To Buffalo" event at Grand Island's Buffalo Launch Club along the mighty Niagara River. Gray skies and spotted rain showers in the area didn't slow attendance as the weekend event, which celebrated the 80th anniversary of Century Boats, combined vintage racing boats, antique speed boats, hydroplanes, model boats and an antique car show. "People came from all over the countty to show their boats and cars. We even had one feEow that brought his boat from Albany through the Erie Canal," said DeGlopper. "Maybe this will catch on next year? He could be the pied piper that leads a procession and picks "up boats along the away like in the old Erie Canal song. We even created an award for him as 'traveling the greatest distance by water* to get to our show," said the North Tonawanda resident Best Ever... < "Despite a little rain, it didn't dampen anyone's spirit or enthusiasm. We registered the most race boats and wooden boats ever. Also numerous people came up and told us that it was the best boat show they had ever seen at the end of the event," continued DeGlopper. As people vowed to return next year, they also said they would tell more people about it 1 "More than a boat club, we serve as ambassadors '' for the Buffalo and Western New York area helping to i bring in visitors from around the country," he added. | 'We also encouraged them to spend money in town at shops and restaurants." | Additionally, the boat show chairman explained how their show must compete with other summer events around the country while keeping cost down. "To draw people to your event, you have to make it a special show. Between the dedicated efforts of our boat show committee and the generosity of local sponsors and volunteers, we were able to offset our cost We kept registration cost down and still showed everyone a good time," DeGlopper said. Eye-catching Woodies As noted, the weekend featured the Century Boat Show, celebrating its 80th anniversary. From a company that now makes fiberglass boats, a prominent entry was Shown sifting in their woodie "Honeybun" are (from left} Bill and Rich DeGlopper. The classic woodie Miss Daytona created quite a bit of interest at the Antique and Classic Boat Show and Race Boat Reunion held last weekend at the Buffalo Launch Club. Thousands enjoy 49th annual Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival by Terry Duffy The 2006 edition of the Niagara County - a.ka. Lewiston Kiwanis - Peach Festival is now history. And, oh, what a good one it was. , Presented each year by the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, this 49fh edition of the festival saw thousands on hand over three days at Academy Park in the Village of Lewiston, enjoying the literal smorgasbord of sights and sounds, and partaking in the celebration harvest of one of Niagara County's premier offerings - freshly grown peaches. It saw Corey Travis of Wheatfield taking the crown as the 2006 Peach Queen (see related story by Larry Austin). And for virtually all who attended, it offered one more opportunity before the weather turns for some pure family-oriented enjoyment Throughout the weekend, Academy Park was literally overflowing with residents and visitors from near and far, enjoying the midway, partaking in the games, checking out the cheerleading competition, experiencing the wide-ranging entertainment, sampling the foods, the wonderful peach shortcakes, and much more. * "I thought the festival was near perfect," remarked Peach Festival Advisory Chair Jerry Wolfgang. He said this year's fest went off without a hitch, literally from its start on Friday to the final ceremonies on Sunday evening. Enjoyable Experience Wolfgang reported that, as they do each year in their planning, Kiwanis organizers restructured various elements of the annual affakto provide visitors a more enjoyable experience. One example of this was the two-part cheerleading competition - with community groups on stage Friday and high school varsity and JV squads performing on Sunday. "It resulted in four new varsity teams and one additional JV squad. We like the move to Sunday," Wolfgang said, pointing out how it resulted in bigger crowds at Academy on both days. "We hope to broaden Corey Travis takes her first walk on the runway after winning the Peach Queen crown Sunday at the conclusion of the Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival at Academy Park in Lewiston. (photo by Larry Austin, www.printroom.com/ pro/photosbylarryaustinj continued on page 2 continued on page 2 KutzbachHHl ' Associate Broker KjtnkH #1 Island Agent W mKm #1 Company In WNY 745-73** ©r 628-1719 Qm Do yon need to buy or * sell a hone? A* Call linda Kutzbach, •she knows how and would love to help you. Km [DISH llllSillS'wMf "JB"^*? »OPEN SUNDAY 1017 Carter Br. 1-3 1099 Sheree Dr. 1-3