Visitors to the Oxford Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 14 will have a model day, as OCC’s Model Boat Show returns for its third year. The free event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features 30 model builders from throughout the region, model-making demonstrations, and kids’ activities.
This year, the expanded model boat show and sale features model builders sharing their craft and history through an even more diverse selection of model boats, talks, and demonstrations. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to talk with modelers, hear stories and ask questions. Every model boat has a story to tell—you can learn about the history of original vessels, such as a crab scrape bateau, bugeye, dinky skiff, bar cat, drake tail and more, as well as boat-building techniques and maritime culture. Roughly 30 model builders will display diverse models, including half-hull models of Chesapeake Bay boats and classic yachts; scratch-built models of Tangier Sound workboats; tall ship rigging; early modern sailing ships; a local radio-controlled Laser fleet; workboats and sailing ships from members of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum model sailing club; and ships in bottles and Bay schooners.
The theme of this year’s changing special exhibit is “Celebrating watermen,” featuring the tools of the trade, such as oyster tongs, crab scrapes, and trot lines, displayed with model boats depicting watermen in action.
There will also be an opportunity to visit a local shipwright’s boatshed and see boat building in progress. Cutts & Case, Inc., the world-renowned wooden boat builders in Oxford, are celebrating their 50th anniversary and will be hosting an open house providing Model Boat Show visitors behind-the-scenes access to the world of wooden boat building. A short three minute drive through the historic town of Oxford will bring visitors to Cutts & Case for self-guided tours from 10-11:30am and 2-4pm.
Visitors to OCC will be treated to a “Dock Sale” featuring miscellaneous model-making tools, supplies, and kits for sale. An expanded kids’ corner provides several hands-on activities, including a chance for children to build their own boat models.
Oxford’s own bookstore, Mystery Loves Company, will be on hand with a great selection of books about the Chesapeake Bay, watermen, and maritime history.
For more information on the Model Boat Show @ OCC, please call 410-226-5904, visit www.oxfordcc.org, or like our Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc.
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