The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Antique Boat Parade is back for the 51st Annual Windjammer Days, with an added feature for the avid boat enthusiast. Parade viewers will be able to watch the parade of boats, which will then remain in the water near the Rocktide Inn, the site of the parade reception.

“You can view the Antique Boat Parade from anywhere in the Harbor, which is wonderful,” Chamber Executive Director Catherine Wygant Fossett said. “We want to make the event more meaningful for boat enthusiasts and give them an additional opportunity to view the boats up close, and to meet a few captains after the parade at a cocktail reception.”

The Rocktide Inn, along with several local maritime and lodging businesses, including Edgecomb Boatworks, Paul E. Luke Boatyard, Boothbay Region Boatyard, Ocean Point Marina, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Southport Island Marine and Topside Inn are proud to host this year's Windjammer Days Antique Boat Parade reception on Tuesday, June 25, from 3-5 p.m. on the inn’s deck.

Every year about 40 boats line up off Tumbler Island, with the oldest boat in the front of the line. Boats in the parade must be at least 25 years old. They sail into the harbor for everyone to enjoy as the boats come around Fisherman's Wharf, and are announced over a loudspeaker.

“This is always a really fun event for Windjammer Days and some of the boat captains really get into the spirit of it all by dressing up in period costumes,” said Doug Goldhirsch, one of the organizers of the Antique Boat Parade. “We are looking forward to seeing all of our boat friends celebrating a great milestone in what is now an important event for our community.”

For more information about this year’s Boothbay Windjammer Days Festival, including sponsorship opportunities, please call the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-633-2353, visit www.boothbayharbor.com or find us on Facebook.