Small Ships Revue set for 26th year

The winner gets $1,000.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- If it will float, it can enter.
That is pretty much the basic requirement of the 26th Annual Small Ships Revue planned for Friday in downtown Sharon.
The Quaker Steak & amp; Lube annual event draws upwards of 20,000 people downtown each year to cheer on the makeshift boats that come in every shape and size.
"The more unique, the better," said Sean Lockovich, marketing director for Quaker Steak & amp; Lube.
The floating craft deemed most unique by the judges gets the $1,000 first prize. Another $500 and $250 are given to second and third place contestants.
Lockovich said they get anywhere from 20 to 25 entrants who can enter up to the day of the competition.
"Some float and some come down in pieces," he said.
Among the more impressive contestants was a boat made to look like an F-15 Fighter Jet two years ago, Lockovich said.
Concept
The idea for the Small Ships Revue originated after the founders of Quaker Steak & amp; Lube, George Warren and Gary Meszaros, visited a similar show with tall ships at New York Harbor. They brought the idea home, with a few original twists.
The Small Ships Revue is a "build your own boat -- anything floats regatta" and is open to everyone.
Entries must be under 15 feet tall, to fit under bridges, and they must be man-powered. Also, all occupants of the ships are required to wear life preservers. This year's sponsors are Miller Lite, Y-103, Jack Daniels and Pepsi.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a parade and ends up at the Three By the River complex with carnival food, rides and music.
The Hern Brothers and The Blue Max will each perform at 8 p.m. on different stages and Super No. 7 will perform at 10:30 p.m. A fireworks show is scheduled for 10:15 p.m.
"It's like a reunion. Everybody just gets together," Lockovich said.
cioffi@vindy.com