PORT CLINTON, OHIO — Some call it a boat show. Others say it’s a party. But everyone agrees the Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show will be another exciting spring kick-off event for all lake lovers when it’s held here for 3 days, April 30 to May 2.
After being cancelled by Covid last year, the 16 annual show will again take over the exclusive Catawba Island Club’s picturesque marina basin. It will showcase more than 100 power and sailboats up to 60-foot motor yachts all ready for boarding, plus an array of over 50 displays of accessories, marinas, services, nautical items and information.
“Boating is all about the fun, so we’ve reimagined the return of this show to make it that, too,” describes Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association. “Beside showcasing boats and accessories, we’re creating a celebration atmosphere to signal the 2021 boating season is finally here.”
New fishing seminars and general boating discussion sessions have been added. A Coast Guard cutter visit is expected daily while exhibits of everything from islands area vacation destinations to popular local artist Bailey Van Kirk painting an islands scene will be featured. But perhaps the real festival atmosphere will be created by the daily live music and selected food truck lineup slated for this year.
On opening Friday from 12 noon to 3 pm, the popular Nashville recording star and Lake Erie Islands singer-songwriter, Steve Brownell, will take the stage to perform some of his songs like: “No Matter What” and “Here I Go Again.”
Also, on Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm, Marina Strah will entertain with her guitar and captivating voice to touch listeners with her “Coming Home”, “Send the Angels” and many more songs.
It’s Miss Kitty and the Litter that will bring their special sounds and brand of musical entertainment to create a true party atmosphere. They’ll perform from 3 pm to 7 pm. Watch out, you just may find show visitors dancing!
On Sunday from 11am to 3pm The Island Doctor takes the show stage, and just as the name implies, he’ll have listeners tapping the tables to the undeniable rhythms of the islands.
Finally, show visitors will enjoy a new lineup of food trucks this year. These include the well-known Berardi’s Truck, the Manna Food Truck, and the Catawba Juice Co. Truck, along with an outdoor bar.
While the show is entirely outdoors, safety protocols are still being observed, including; timed ticket entry periods, required face covering, social distancing, hand sanitizing stations and rigorous cleaning protocols on all boats.
Show hours for 2021 will be: Friday, 12 Noon to 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday, 10AM to 5 PM. Admission if $8. All parking and shuttles are free. For complete show schedules, and to purchase tickets, go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com