The Ohio Valley Chapter of ACBS stretches from Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Founded in 1989, the chapter has a common enthusiasm for antique and classic boats and provides an opportunity to exchange information about the history, preservation and restoration of these boats while emphasizing enjoyment on the water and creating camaraderie among our members. Founding members include Commodore, Lou Rauh, a well known antique and classic boat enthusiast/promoter and pioneer in classic boat marketing and sales as the founder of Antique Boat Connection (Later Antique Boat Center); Jack McCarthy, the owner of The Wooden Boat Shop, an early well known restoration shop on the west side of Cincinnat and Debbie Jones, who was the Commander and Treasurer.
The Ohio Valley Chapter is known for fun cruises to ports along the Ohio River or one of it’s tributaries, dinners, trips to the ACBS International Shows, and participation in large events like Tall Stacks and this year’s very exciting celebration as part of America’s 250th, the America’s River Roots Festival, taking place in Cincinnati October 9-12, 2025.
The America River Roots Festival is a signature event for the America’s 250th celebration and the Ohio Valley has a big role to play. On Thursday, the Chapter was invited to escort paddlewheel riverboats during the opening day parade on both the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the river, passing in front of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport. On Saturday the Chapter is participating in a boat parade in front of the Cincinnati riverfront which is expected to have as many as a million spectators! An on shore announcer will identify each classic boat and crew as it passes by in front of the crowd. On Sunday, the chapter is leading and following the Belle of Louisville and Natchez Riverboats during the final race to end the Festival. Of course, there are also dinners, lunches and a poker run to round out the fun.
The Ohio Valley Chapter is inviting all ACBS members to bring their boats and join in on this once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate a full weekend of events and the founding of our nation! Registration and contact information can be found on the Chapter’s website.
The chapter also helps to support the Northern Kentucky Youth Advocacy Center. Displaying a boat at the 2024 Gala, the Youth Center said it was their most successful fundraiser to date.
The Ohio Valley Chapter of ACBS is very easy going and welcomes non-chapter members to events with an enthusiasm that ensures everyone who attends has a wonderful experience. They are proud of the number of times participants have expressed that one of our gatherings was the most fun they ever have had at a classic boating event!
For more information about the chapter, visit their website at www.ohiovalley-acbs.org.