Heartland Classics 2022 Hot Springs Classic
April 8-9, 2022
It’s the SPRING opener for boating season in the Heartland.
Lake Hamilton was surrounded by SPRING green in the hills, bright azaleas beginning to bloom on the shoreline and warm sunshine on blue water for the Saturday cruise.
April 8th (Friday)
Fisherman’s Wharf, a traditional favorite place to meet and eat, gave everyone time to visit, meet new friends, and of course, enjoy great food.
Because it was a cool breezy day, rather than cruising, many chose to visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens where the fields of tulips were in bloom…
… and love was in bloom, also, as evidenced by Steve and fiance Sue. 
Can you tell – this group likes to eat! The next stop was the Hibachi Sushi Grill for Friday night dining. 
Discussions included pictures of children, grandchildren, pets, travel plans, AND the newest OLD boats. There was “committee work” going on to solve the latest mechanical problems and wood preservation techniques.
The weather report for the next day including sunshine and warmer temps was so encouraging. That certainly added to the good feeling.
April 9th (Saturday)
By the boatload, guests arrived at the boardwalk by Thompson’s boathouse.
Clay and Patty Thompson’s Lake Home is so inviting. Each year, there are new things to admire. This year, there was the addition of the 110-year-old bridge just newly installed over the ravine leading to the house. 
Hosts and luncheon chefs Patty & Clay Thompson.
Committee member Mike Langhorne and supplier of a bagful of snacks!
Event Chairs, social leaders, and photographer John & Marilyn Davenport.
THANKS to the committee for planning the event and their generosity in hosting 36 members and ten classic boats for this early spring kick-off to the 2022 Boating Season!
Take a look at the variety of boats included in Saturday’s Cruise on Lake Hamilton.
John Davenport at the helm of the event.
1940 Chris Craft Barrelback owned by Buddy & Sherri Butler
1951 Chris Craft Riviera owned by Stuart Perry
1960 Thompson Sea Lancer owned by Richard & Cara Moist
1975 GlastronCarlson owned by Logan Fure
1948 Higgins owned by Brian and Susan Gumm
1953 Chris Craft Riviera owned by Mike & Deb Binns
1961 Owens Sea Skiff owned by John & Marilyn Davenport
1977 GlastronCarlson owned by Parker Showalter
1949 Chris Craft Sportsman owned by Clay & Patty Thompson
1958 Century Coronado owned by Kevin Hogan
1969 Chris Craft Commander Super Sport owned by Steve Spinharney
7:00 PM Dinner at The Porterhouse in downtown Hot Springs
* 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.