Heartland Classics 2021 Hot Springs Classic
April 16-17, 2021
Even with cloudy skies, Hot Springs, Arkansas and Lake Hamilton WELCOMED Heartland Classics for the boating season opener.
It truly was an Antique & Classic event.
Two decades: Butler’s Antique 1940 Chris Craft Barrel Back and J.Thompson’s Classic 1950 Chris Craft Sportsman.
Fisherman’s Wharf was a great place to meet for Friday lunch and more importantly, to see friends again for a long visit. A rainy afternoon allowed that to happen.
Then Friday evening, the group hit the historic downtown Hot Springs, ending the evening at Porterhouse.
Saturday morning the group met with boats at Bubba Brews to boat to Clay and Paty Thompson’s Lake house.
In the meanwhile, Clay and Patty prep the lunch meal at their amazing boathouse kitchen.
By the boatload, guests arrive at the boardwalk by Thompson’s boathouse.
WOODWIND is a 1940 Chris Craft Barrel Back owned by Buddy & Sherrie Butler.
MISS D is a newly restored 1956 Chris Craft Sportsman Utility owned by John & Marilyn Davenport.
This 1989 Century Arabian is owned by Chuck Gibbs, Heartland Classics President.
DIANA is a 1951 Chis Craft Riviera owned by Stuart Perry.
XKAPE is a 1972 Chris Craft XK Ski-Jet owned by Steve Spinharney.
MISS BROOKLYN is a 1977 Century Arabian owned by Roy Showalter and Parker Showalter.
MISCHIEF is a 1950 Chris Craft Sportsman owned by John & Carolynn Thompson.
BLACK BETTY is a 1988 Glastron Carlson owned by Zachary & Danielle Stafford.
SUMMERTIME is a 1949 Chris Craft Sportsman owned by Clay & Patty Thompson.
Event Committee
John & Marilyn Davenport – great job organizing, planning and being in charge of fun.
Mike Langhorne – special thanks to Mike for the Hot Springs gift bags including goodies.
Clay & Patty Thompson – hosts and chefs for the great Saturday lunch.
* Here are links to past Hot Springs Classic events.
The Annual Spring Opener at Lake Hamilton, AR
The Hot Springs Classic is held in April each year to welcome boaters to the boating season. Event dates are determined by the calendar of the Easter holiday and when the Arkansas Derby Day is held.
In the past, this spring opener has included boating on Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and a pre-event in Little Rock, AR.
Arkansas offers even more for travelers when attending this event such as; Garvan Gardens, Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain, museums, historic gangster hangouts, and more.