Dealers in Michigan and central Florida are readying their exhibits for two big shows that wind down the major winter-show calendar.
The Progressive Novi Boat Show, produced by the Michigan Boating Industry Association, will drop anchor in the Suburban Collection Showplace this Thursday through Sunday.
The show will boast more than 100 exhibitors focused heavily on fishing boats up to 35 feet, plus a wide array of ski boats, pontoons, PWC and small to midsize runabouts. In addition, a variety of special events and features typically attract large crowds from the greater Detroit area.
Among the most popular features is the Harborside Market, a high-end shopping section that with displays and merchandise from fashions to furniture, artwork to accessories, all with a lakeside-living theme.
This year’s show will include a Sustainability Exhibit focused on how the boating industry in Michigan is making strides with such avenues as the Michigan Clean Marina Program, the Fiberglass Boat Recycling Project, Shrink Wrap Recycling Program, workforce development initiatives, and actions to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The show will also boast other special attractions, including a Kids Zone, appearances by the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, a boater safety course and a new Flip Flop Fling with a tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett.
Meanwhile in Florida, the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida announced its Orlando Boat Show will run April 5-7 in the Orange County Convention Center.
Central Florida’s largest annual show, this event will feature the area’s top dealers displaying more than 400 boats from upward of 80 manufacturers. The show primarily includes bowriders, center consoles, deckboats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jetboats and pontoons.
“The Orlando Boat Show is designed for new and avid boaters to see the latest in boating trends and technology,” says Joe Lewis, general manager of Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina and president of MIACF. “With interactive displays and a new kids’ fishing clinic, the whole family will enjoy the best of boating at one centrally located show.”
The “Hook The Future” kid’s fishing clinic will feature Capt. Don Dingman, from the Sportsman Channel’s Hook The Future. He will bring to the youngsters an entertaining and interactive discussions of basic fishing techniques, tackle, safety and conservation. In addition, kids age 5 to 15 will receive a free rod and reel combo following each clinic.
Kids age 12 and younger can catch a live fish at the Let’s Go Fishing Trout Pond and also receive a caricature of themselves driving a boat by Cartoon You Caricatures. There will also be a saltwater fishing simulator where anyone can experience the excitement of reeling in a bull dolphin, and the Fishing Zone is devoted to exhibits boasting fresh and saltwater fishing gear and clothing.
Also performing daily will be Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel, who is the spokes-animal for the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” campaign promoting water safety.
