Never mind that quote about the two best days of owning a boat, in Atlanta this weekend, attendees to the annual Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show will be focused on that first best day – the day you buy it. From Thursday the 10th through Sunday the 13th at the Georgia World Congress Center, some 25,000 attendees will be able to find everything you can imagine in the boating industry.
A sampling of the wares at the Atlanta Boat Show
This is the show’s 57th year and will feature nearly 700 boats of all varieties, from houseboats to jon boats to kayaks. There will interactive features and activities for families boaters and anglers of all experience levels. Tickets at the door will be $15 but if purchased in advance online only $12. It is sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, which produces more than 80 percent of boats and related accoutrements in the U.S. and Canada.
For the first time, there will be an industry career component to the boat show. The show has teamed up with Lanier Technical College to host the first-ever Career Day on Friday. Prospective students and job seeks will have a chance to learn more about joining the fast-growing industry, which currently employs some 18,000 Georgians. If attendees register for the career day in advance, they will receive free tickets to the show. Dozens of local companies at the show will be meeting with students and job seekers to discuss educational needs, interview tips and skills needed.
“There are abundant job opportunities in Georgia, from marine technicians to manufacturing, sales and much more,” said Show Manager Kevin Murphy. “Our first Career Day will showcase careers in our industry and give students a chance to meet with exhibitors and other experts who will share their knowledge as well as current job opportunities.”
You can also tour a 45-foot, three-bedroom, one-bath houseboat and get the idea of what it would be like to make a home on the water. There are daily fishing seminars, boating skills virtual trainers and sailing seminars. And for the kids there are a variety of activities. The “Touch a Boat” tour invites kids to explore the show floor and pick up a Touch A Boat Tour passport. Collect a stamp at each of the eight locations and win a fun prize. Also, CBS 46 is sponsoring “Nautical Storytime” for kids on Saturday and Sunday. CBS hosts will be reading nautical-themed stories suitable for kids – Moby Dick is not on the list. And if you bring a used book to donate to CBS Books for Kids, you’ll receive a $5 concession voucher.
For the older folks, Marietta’s own Red Hare Brewing will be offering “$5 after 5pm” boats and brews on Thursday and Friday. The deal includes $5 Admission, $5 Valet and $5 Drinks sponsored by Red Hare. Custom tastings, games, photo opportunities, drink specials and boat show souvenirs will be available. For the first 50 guests on Thursday and Friday, attendees will receive a free half-day pontoon rental from Park Marine.
