PORT CLINTON, OHIO — Scuttled by Covid last spring, the popular Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show returns this year to again greet thousands of boaters when it drops anchor for 3 days, Friday thru Sunday, April 30 to May2.
The 16th edition of this show will boast more than 100 power and sailboats from small inflatables to 60-foot motor yachts. It will also include over 50 displays of boating accessories, equipment, marinas, services and boating information surrounding the picturesque marina basin of the Catawba Island Club.
To Ohio’s boat lovers anxious to start another summer, this show has become as much a season kick-off party as a showcase of power and sailboats. To that end, new features being added this year include a special Lake Erie Walleye fishing seminar, an all-new “Dockside Discussions” program that will include both general boating and fishing experts, and more.
One of the most popular annual features returning is the “Discover Sailing” event. It provides and opportunity for anyone to actually go out on a sailboat, hoist the sails, take the helm and really find out if sailing before the wind is right for them.
To increase the festival feeling, live musical entertainment daily boasts a lineup of local favorites including: Miss Kitty and the Litter, Steve Brownell, Marina Strah, The Harbor Doctor and more. They’ll be surrounded by food trucks selected for their variety of offerings, like the popular Berardi’s Truck, the Catawba Juice Company and the Manna Food Truck plus beer bar and more.
Timed Ticketing
While Covid is still impacting our lifestyles, this all-outdoor in-water show will still follow appropriate safety protocols, including required masks, social distancing, hand and boat sanitizing protocols. In addition, this year’s admission tickets will be sold in time blocks to limit crowds and provide for desirable social distancing.
Based on historic attendance data, opening Friday will have only one time block while the larger attendance expected on Saturday and Sunday will enjoy two time blocks daily. For convenience, boaters are urged to purchase advance tickets online for their chosen day and time block.
General Admission is $8.00. A combo ticket that includes attending a special 2-hour “Fishing the Walleye Migration Clinic” from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturday is $12.00. As always, all designated show parking areas are free and as are the convenient shuttles to the show gate.
The show is located off Northwest Catawba Road on the Catawba peninsula. It’s the only time each year the general public can access the manicured private CIC marina grounds.
Show hours for 2021 will be: Friday, 12 Noon to 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday, 10AM to 5 PM.
For show details and to purchase tickets, go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com