Your Guide: Bristol Boat & Artisan Show

For a true appreciation of the Bristol waterfront, few events compare to this weekend's Bristol Boat & Artisan Show, scheduled for Aug. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Setting up at Independence Park, right on Narragansett Bay and featuring scenic views of nearby Bristol Harbor, the free show is expected to feature new and used boats for sale, plus arts and crafts artisans showing their wares.

There's also a series of raffles, with $100 to Cardi's Furniture, $20 to Green River Silver Company, $25 to Vavo's Bakery, and $46 to Bristol Golf Course among the many prizes.

In its previous 11 years, the show has donated more than $82,000 to local charities including the East Bay Food Pantry, Bristol Good Neighbor's Soup Kitchen, Bristol Housing for the Elderly, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Prevent Child Abuse RI, among others.

For more information, visit the show website or contact members of the Bristol Boat & Artisan Show committee.