Please find below a release from our friends at the Vermont Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission regarding the Lois McClure coming to Isle La Motte this weekend.

We hope many of you consider attending this event, and taking place in the celebration.

The Lois McClure Comes Home to Isle La Motte

A two day Samuel de Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration will take place  on Isle La Motte on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27.  The Isle La Motte Historical Society is sponsoring a visit by the famous Lois McClure, flagship of the Quadricentennial. The schooner will visit towns around the lake throughout 2009 as part of a “Discover 1609 Tour”.  A special spotlight is focused on Isle La Motte which was the first landing place for Champlain as he entered the lake which now bears his name. The schooner will be open for tours from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both days.  There is no charge.  Parking will be in the field behind Fisk Farm.  The eighty eight foot Lois McClure will dock at the location of the old Fisk Wharf, currently a summer residence owned by Steve and Trish Zonies who are generously making their property accessible for this event.

On Saturday the 27th at 11:00am  the Isle La Motte Community Organization will sponsor the Isle La Motte Flotilla.  Boats from around the area are invited to gather at St. Anne’s Shrine to circumnavigate the island and provide a ceremonial welcome to the Lois McClure docked at the Fisk Wharf.  Boat rides for Isle La Motte residents are available on a first come first served basis as space is limited.   The event will conclude with a barbeque for purchase at St. Anne’s Shrine.

Ancillary celebration events near the Fisk Wharf will include an exhibit of maritime art by Ernest Haas and Bill Walsh in the Fisk Farm Horse & Carriage Barn and Carriage Rides by Island Carriage Farm. On Saturday afternoon free ice cream will be donated by Ben and Jerry’s between 1:00 and 4:00 and a wine tasting will be hosted by East Shore Vineyard between 12:00 and 5:00.  Music by folk musicians will be performed at various times throughout the two days.  Refreshments by the South End Cafe will be available for purchase at the site.

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