Ocean City's Seaside Boat Show a big coastal draw
Thirty-five years ago, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club held the first-ever OC Seaside Boat Show.
The show filled up only a tiny part of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, but member Don Hastings was determined it would work. Since then, the event now fills the entire length of the building and aturnout of more than 13,000 people is anticipated.
More than 300 boats will be on display this year, along with 50 dealers and 150 vendors participating. From technology advances to rental properties and even jewelry, you’ll find a little bit of everything.
Visitors can expect to see the latest and greatest in boats, personal watercrafts, electronics, rigging, fishing and gear. There will even be an opportunity to win a free boat just by showing up.
For the 29th time, North Bay Marina has donated a pontoon boat and motor, and anyone purchasing a ticket to the show will have a chance to win it.
The show isn’t just an opportunity to see the best of the boating world, but also a chance to help out the community. All proceeds from ticket purchases will go towards fundraisers and scholarships sponsored by the Optimist Club.
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“It’s great to have a good fundraiser so we can support our youth programs and help fund many organizations that work for kids,” said Charles Smith.
Smith joined the Optimist Club more than 50 years ago because he wanted to help out in the community. Since then he has worked alongside other members to help support the many organizations on the Eastern Shore that work to help children.
“It has been a great ride working with many members who want work for the community and kids,” said Smith.
The boat show is the club’s biggest fundraiser.
If you go
What: OC Seaside Boat Show
When: Feb. 16-19 — Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City
Cost: $10 admission for adults and $1 admission for children. A $15 weekend pass is available.