If you’re a boater, love boating, or simply love to participate in the aquatic hype, the Bay Bridge Boat Show coming in April is for you. The show is very similar to the Annapolis boat shows that happen in the fall, but is distinguished from the Annapolis shows as this one will have over 200 boats on display and, for the first time, the Bay Bridge Boat Show welcomes a family-friendly theme and activities for all ages. We detail the purpose, activities, and extras you’ll find at this year’s Bay Bridge Boat Show below.
What’s the boat show all about?
The Bay Bridge Boat Show, just like the US Boat Show in Annapolis, is designed to bring together the community–everyone from novice boaters to experienced, even luxury boaters. Aside from bringing the community out, the boat shows can function as a learning experience or a buying experience, depending on your reason for attending. Either way, the boat shows are fun and truly capture the Annapolis-area vibe. There’s no pressure to buy anything–guests can simply peruse and enjoy the experience. This show has been a tradition since 1982 and it’s still a premiere showcase of new brokerage boats and ones for the whole family.
What’s there to do for kids?
The whole family can enjoy this three-day event, happening from April 11 to 13. Kids can especially take pleasure perusing the beginning boater displays of inflatable and small boats, equipment, accessories, electronics, and apparel. In addition, professional surf shops will have gear, cool gadgets, and more.
Kid-friendly boats like kayaks, canoes, rowing shells, paddle-boards, and inflatables will be on display too.
The Rachel Carson, a University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science 81-foot vessel, opens its decks and halls for tours on the first day of the show–ideal for curious kids!
More interactive activities designed for kids like moon bouncing, face painting, boater safety learning, radio-controlled-boat playing, and demo-boat riding are also planned for the first day of the show.
What special events are planned?
As noted above, the first day of the show–April 11–is the fun-minded kick-off day. Not only will there be a free barbecue bash and live entertainment, but there will be activities like: demo boat rides, boat tours, boating safety courses, fly-fishing demos, paddle-board demos, and even yoga classes. A new food court has also been built to accommodate an influx of hungry boaters. The special activities on Friday begin at 5 p.m.
Where, when, and how much?
The Bay Bridge Marina, off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, hosts this boat show. The address is 357 Pier 1 Road, Stevensville, MD 21666.
Friday and Saturday (April 11-12), the boat show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The BBQ and special events on Friday begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 13, the show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets for adults cost $12 for one day. Want to attend two days of the show? Purchase the discounted combo two-day ticket deal for $19. Children under twelve get in free all days of the show. Tickets can be purchased from the link provided at the bottom of this post.
The Best Western, not too far from Annapolis hotels, is partnering with the boat show to bring you discounted accommodations and special show rates if you stay in the hotel. Call 410-827-6767 to find out more.
What’s the parking situation?
Thanks to the Kent Island High School Athletic Booster Club, on-site parking is available with a donation of $2-3 to the club. There will be plenty of signs that highlight the way to boat show designated parking.
We’ve presented an overview here, but there’s more info online! Go to http://usboat.com to purchase tickets and discover more.
Happy boating!
Leave A Comment