“Tango,” a 1987 22-foot Spencer, will be one of the boats on display at this year’s Runabout Rendezvous on Saturday, July 5, and will be sporting her canvas “bootlegger top.” (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The 17th and final Runabout Rendezvous is slated for this Saturday in Saranac Lake. The rendezvous is an eclectic mix of antique, classic and newly designed wooden boats that will be on display on land and water. The event will be held along the shores of Lake Flower, between Riverside Park and the state boat launch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested in classic and antique boats can attend and take part in the Adirondack tradition, visiting with builders, restorers and owners of these works of art.

Jay Annis, Spencer Boatworks owner and host of the Runabout Rendezvous, looks forward to the social gathering of boat owners and enthusiasts, but it’s the stories shared he enjoys most. Restorations with grandfathers, first-time visits to the Adirondacks seeing the flash of a mahogany boat gliding effortlessly across Upper Saranac, and taking youngsters for their first ride are commonplace tales at the boat exhibition.

“The history of boating in the Adirondacks isn’t set in the past,” Annis said. “This is a celebration that connects generations.”

Wooden boats may be the emblem of leisure but building, restoring, and caring for wooden boats is no easy feat.

“It takes expert craftsmanship and decades of experience,” he said, “and the Runabout Rendezvous is a chance for us to showcase years of hard work and meet folks interested in the craft.”

The Runabout Rendezvous is an annual non-judged exhibition of wooden boats, and the show is free to the viewing public. There is a small registration fee for those wishing to display their boats. Contact Spencer Boatworks at 518-891-5828 or go to spencerboatworks.com for more information. On-site registration the day of the event is also an option.