CLEVELAND, Ohio — Of course, you’ll find boats, boats, boats at the 67th annual Cleveland Boat Show at the I-X Center on Jan. 18-21. But you’ll also find deals, deals, deals.
“The boat show is always designed to be a taste of summer fun for all,” said Michelle Burke, president of the Ohio Marine Trades Association in a press release. “(But) behind the glamor and excitement, it’s serious business for all our exhibitors. They don’t just come to show off their new boats and accessories. As businesses, they need to make sales, especially in the off-season. And, to make that happen, all dealers will be participating in a special sales promotion during this year’s show.”
Indeed, Burke said this is the first time the show has required exhibitors to offer some sort of exclusive promotion during the event. Deals can come in the form of discounts on boats, free equipment packages, reduced interest rates, etc.,
The show, however, isn’t just for buyers. Dreamers are also welcome. People can climb aboard more than 400 boats — from yachts to fishing boats and everything in between — and check out an extensive selection of personal watercraft, kayaks and paddleboards, too.
Professional anglers will conduct fishing seminars atop a 5,000-gallon aquarium, while boating and watersports demos take place on a big pool in the center of the hall. Entertainment highlights include sailboat racing simulators, live music and the return of Twiggy and Twiglet, the famous and amazing water-skiing squirrels.
The boat show runs noon-9 p.m. on Jan. 18-19, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 20, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 21. General admission is $18 online at clevelandboatshow.com or $20 at the door.
