Thousands of Ohio’s boat lovers converge this weekend on the 18th annual Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show at the exclusive Catawba Island Club Marina on Friday through Sunday, April 28-30.

“While this show keeps growing in popularity,” says Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, “we continue to have entertainment and special events for visitors to enjoy when they’re not climbing aboard boats. It really makes it a boating season kick-off party.”

The largest spring in-water show on the Great Lakes, the dockside format allows the display of more than 125 boats ranging from kayaks to large motor yachts, fishing boats and sailboats. Many of the boats weren’t available for the traditional winter shows so they’re getting premiere showings now. And, it’s also still considered a buyer’s market offering a last chance to get winter sales incentives and promotional packages offered by manufacturers.

Show hours are: Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11a.m. to 5 p.m.. Advance discount admission tickets are available online.

For complete show information, go to: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com

Also featured around the entire marina basin this year will be nearly 100 nautical accessory and service displays boasting everything from marine gear to fashion wear. More daily entertainment and special features have been added to the festive atmosphere. On the Main Stage, for example, there will be live performances by The Jimmy Jack Band, Slow No Wake and The Island Doctor.

Show goers will also enjoy: daily boating seminars in the On The Water Ohio Discovery Center; an expanded “Kids Zone”; special sampling events by a local winemaker and area brewery; and popular local food trucks including Berardis Fry Trailer, The Gaucho & The Gringa, and Put-in-Bay’s famous Boardwalk Lobster Bisque.

Fun and entertainment aside, the stars of the show are the wide variety of boats dockside, all open for boarding, and most even available for sea trials. A large fleet of fishing machines will range from compact center consoles to triple-engine high performers. Plush motor yachts of 50-feet-plus will also greet visitors. And, a special “Discover Sailing” program, unique to this show, actually takes wannabe sailors out on the lake for a hands-on experience from raising the sails to taking the helm.

The Catawba Island Club is located on the northwest side of the Catawba peninsula, off Northwest Catawba Road in Port Clinton. All Show Parking areas and Show Shuttles are free.