Page 3 - Mid America Baoting - May 2024 issue

welcome
The Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show is summer’s grand opening…
It’s our region’s boating
season grand kick-off
party when the 19th annual
Progressive Catawba Island
Boat Show cruises into the
prestigious Catawba Island
Club’s marina for three big
days, April 26 to 28.
3 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] MAY 2024
aboard!
Well over 100 power and sailboats
from small inflatables to 68-foot-
plus motor yachts will be displayed
in the water and ready for boarding
by the 10,000-plus boaters that
annually attend. In addition, nearly
100 exhibits of boating accessories
and equipment will surround the
stunning marina basin.
“Our docks will be packed with many new
models getting their first public showing
in Ohio,” says Michelle Burke, president of
the Ohio Marine Trades Association that
produces the show. “Dealers are anxious to
show off the latest boats they’ve received
from builders during the winter, and virtually
all will be offered at special show-savings
prices and incentives. It’s a true chance to buy
and save,” she predicts.
In addition, show visitors will enjoy the from climbing aboard the boats, they’ll find the state’s myriad of inland lakes and rivers
nearly 100 accessory and service displays that a selection of locally popular food trucks plus for Largemouth, Muskies or Bluegills.
surround the marina basin. These exhibits beverage stations and places to sit back and The Catawba Island Club is located on the
run the gamut from brokerage services to the take a break. northwest side of the Catawba peninsula, off
newest summer boating fashions. But that’s But all fun and entertainment aside, what Northwest Catawba Road in Port Clinton.
just the start of the festivities. draws people from throughout Ohio remains All Show Parking areas are clearly marked
“We create the show’s atmosphere to be the wide variety of boats dockside and many and are FREE courtesy of the Firelands Auto
as much an opening party for Ohio’s 2024 dealers even offer sea trials where applicable. Group. Continuous free shuttles run to the
boating season as it is a great display of boats In addition, dozens of the largest boats in show entrance, too.
and equipment,” promises Burke. “We’ve this show that couldn’t be trucked to the Show hours will be: Friday (April 26), 12
packed the schedule with special events traditional winter show create the added noon to 6 PM; Saturday (April 27) 10 AM
and attractions. For example, there are daily excitement of many first time public showings. to 6 PM; and Sunday (April 28) 10 AM to 5
seminars on boating; popular live musical For example, the largest fleet of fishing PM. General admission $10 (under 7 free).
performances reflecting our Lake Erie Islands machines in the show’s history will be on Advance discount tickets, $8, are available
flavor, a special family area boasting lawn display, from a one-man angling-rigged kayak only online.
games, a unique Kids Discovery Zone, and to a variety of big triple-outboard center For details and up-to-the-minute updates,
even an opportunity to actually go sailing.” consoles, all ready to chase Lake Erie’s go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com MAB
When showgoers get hungry and thirsty Walleye, Perch and Smallmouth, or to fish on