Catawba Island Boat Show starts today

PORT CLINTON – The 19th annual Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show casts off this Friday for the weekend-long event with more than 10,000 boating and fishing fans expected to attend.

According to show planners, the event has more than 100 power and sailboats ranging from small kayaks to nearly 70-foot-plus motor yachts. The show will also feature many of the larger boats that could not be trucked to the traditional indoor January boat show.

Additionally, Ohio Marine Trades Association President Michelle Burke says the event is considered a buyer’s market offering a last chance to get winter sales incentives and special promotional packages from the boat builders.

“What began as a small spring boat sales promotion has now become a nautical festival,” explains Burke. “It draws boaters from a wide area to literally celebrate the start of Ohio’s boating season. The timing, the unique location and the features we’ve added are what reflects the magic of our Ohio boating lifestyle,” she adds.

Surrounding the floating fleet will be nearly 100 boating accessory exhibits for marine gear and boat repair to nautical art and fashion wear. In addition, the show schedule also features seminars on boating, continuous live Lake Erie Islands-style music, a unique area dubbed the Kid’s Discovery Zone, and a variety of award-winning food trucks.

THe show hours are noon to 6 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, and Sun 10AM to 5 PM on Sunday. General admission is $10 and kids under seven are free. Advance $8 discount tickets available online.