For some, a maritime festival may mean a display of old and decaying boats. But Chicagoans will find nothing old or decaying about this weekend`s festival: Climbing aboard the Brunswick Chicago Maritime Festival will be model Ashley Montana, cover girl of the 1991 Sports Illustrated`s swimsuit issue, modeling marine and scuba wear in a ”wet `n` wild” fashion show.
The 7th annual festival, held at North Pier, also features headline entertainment-Bonnie Koloc and folk singer Jim Post, who will perform on a stage overlooking the water. ”All of the performances have a nautical touch to them,” spokesman Adrian Sakowicz explains.
In between entertainment, there`s an opportunity to learn about marine-related events-which is, after all, what the festival is all about. Maritime displays include canoe and model boat builders, fishing clinics, arts and crafts, an underwater diving exhibit and even a tattoo artist.
But those absorbed by the entertainment can catch maritime exhibits all year long at the Chicago Maritime Museum, also at North Pier.
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Chicago Maritime Festival; North Pier, 435 E. Illinois St.; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; free. 312-836-4343.
