League City has a rich history of playing host to an array of unique and spectacular local events . One of these events has played a role in League City ’ s history for 25 years .
Photo courtesy of D . K . Smith Photography
Keels and Wheels is a 2-day concours car and boat show that has been one of League City ’ s most popular events for 25 years . The show brings in hundreds of classic and vintage automobiles and boats to be enjoyed by the thousands of attendees , many of whom travel from outside Texas to come to the show . The show brings an average of 200 cars and 100 boats . The event has raised more than $ 1.8 million for local charities , while also attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country and the world .
The concept for the show began as an idea of Concours Chairman Bob Fuller , who imagined a boat show that also included classic cars . Fuller envisioned vintage automobiles parked near the area ’ s Yacht Club and pitched the idea to fellow Yacht Club member and Co- Founder , Paul Merryman and the board of Lakewood Yacht Club .
Since its inception , the Keels & Wheels event has become the nation ’ s largest classic car and vintage wooden boat show . Being an annual event since 1996 , this year ’ s show will take place on May 1 and May 2 . Visitors will be able to check out multiple classic vehicles , most famously the cars featured in the 2019 awarding winning film “ Ford vs . Ferrari .” This film depicts the journey to the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France , in which three Ford GT40 ’ s successfully defeated the long winning Ferrari team .
Concours board member Gary Garnett emphasized that Keels and Wheels brings in the highest class of vintage cars and boats , with many coming from various states .
“ Keels and Wheels is a concours car show , which means we are bringing in the highest class of cars ,” Garnett said . “ The best of the best . Same with boats . We have cars and boats brought in from different states and cities . Some of these
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