The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
The largest spring boat show anywhere on the Great Lakes, the 19th annual Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show, will cast off this weekend for 3 days with more than 10,000 boating and fishing fans expected to attend.
With most displayed in-the-water, the show boasts more than 100 power and sailboats ranging from small kayaks to nearly 70-foot-plus motor yachts. Many of the larger boats that couldn’t be trucked to the traditional indoor January boat show, and many more received by dealers from manufacturers since, will be getting their first-time public showing.
Moreover, it’s also considered a buyer’s market offering a last chance to get winter sales incentives and special promotional packages from the boat builders, according to Michelle Burke, president of the Ohio Marine Trades Association.
“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 that include about everything from marine gear and boat repair to nautical art and fashion wear. In addition, the show schedule is full of daily special events. Among others, these include: seminars on boating; continuous live Lake Erie Islands-style music; a unique area dubbed the Kid’s Discovery Zone; a variety of award-winning food trucks, to name a few.
Notably, the show also uniquely focuses on sailing with a special emphasis for newcomers desiring to find out if sailing might be right for them. Called “Discover Sailing,” a large cruising 36-foot sailboat manned by licensed captains continuously take those interested in sailing out on Lake Erie. It’s an all-hands-on experience in which the would-be sailors will raise sails and take the helm for a real taste.
Fun and festival aside, the stars of the show remain the wide variety of boats that will be dockside and ready for boarding, with many available for sea trials where applicable. There is live music at the Shores and Islands Main Stage. Relax in the Baumann Auto Group Yacht Lounge or have fun at the Firelands Family Patio!
The show is held at the prestigious Catawba Island Club located on the northwest side of the Catawba peninsula, in Port Clinton. All show parking areas and free shuttles are clearly marked.
Show hours: Fri (April 26), 12 Noon to 6 PM; Sat (April 27), 10 AM to 6 PM; and Sun (April 28), 10AM to 5 PM. General admission $10 (Under 7 free); Advance $8 discount tickets available online.
For updates, go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com
