To the editor:

While the 2010 Beacon of H.O.P.E. Boat Show was a resounding success, I am compelled to start this public note of appreciation with an apology.

Stacy and Craig of Monroe Canal Marina were extremely hard working to prepare their facility for vendors and trailered boats for the show and it didn’t happen. Just before the event there were a few vendors, who had paid their fee, that called at the last moment to cancel their participation. At least two of these vendors were slated to be on the Monroe Canal Marina property and would have made a wonderful “marine product” display with the two on the property. The expected number of trailered boats did not hit expectations. The final result was that no matter how hard the volunteers tried to get spectators to Monroe Canal Marina, it did not work and since there was no traffic, the two vendors who were on the property moved to another area. While it was necessary, it was disheartening, and I can only imagine the disappointment experienced by Stacy and Craig.

Now on to a more positive note! The attendance was remarkable!

Estimates from a number of sources were between 1,200 and 1,800 people, most of the venders made great expressions of gratitude and amazement at the size and activity of the crowd.

Through the course of the day there were approximately 18 wooden boats on site, some for the entire day and some came in for varying time periods. Some in water, some on trailers. The wood boats ranged from a newly finished Greco to a much older Sharpie and equally aged Beck Boat.

There were hard working volunteers from Beacon of H.O.P.E., the Hookers, the Mariners, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and the general public. For fear of forgetting someone, I will not individually mention any names, but there are many who should be mentioned. There were numerous vendors and sponsors who jumped in and helped with setup, tear down, giving directions and in general good positive entities for the community, Beacon of H.O.P.E. and the Boat Show.

Until there is a better way, I want to thank everyone that had any part, large or small in making the Beacon of H.O.P.E. a success. While there are none of the pictures posted as yet, they will be coming soon to www.HarborBoatShow.com .

Paul Jones

Harbor Boat Show, Inc