NEW! DockDogs Competitions

Come see what this exciting performance event for dogs is all about. Watch canine athletes run down a 40-foot dock and jump into a 40-foot long pool of water to compete in Big Air® (long jump), Extreme Vertical® (high jump) and Speed Retrieve® (fastest dog to the end of the pool) competitions. An event like no other, DockDogs is sure to make a big splash at the show!! www.dockdogs.com

To register and to see a complete schedule, please click here.

NEW! Pirates of Colonial America

Avast ye mateys, surrender your booty!  'ave ye heard? Ye can experience th' life o' a Colonial American pirate! Whether ye be young or ole, you'll enjoy this fascinatin' interactive exhibit  that offers a window into th' history 'n' culture o' pirates in th' early days of America...
Learn how pirates played an active role in early Colonial America—from selling the colonists inexpensive untaxed goods to the start of the first North American college. See replications of original artifacts, visit with "pirates", take home signed pirate articles and pardons, see their pub, gunsmith, stocks and even take pictures in pirate dress. Aaarrrggggh!

Saturday is Pirate's Day! Kids 12 and younger receive a free eye patch and kaleidoscope, while quantities last.

NEW! Antique & Classic Boat Display

If you're a fan of classic boats, or simply appreciate the chance to see a bit of history up close, be sure to visit this exhibit. Step back in time to admire the craftsmanship and beauty of vintage craft presented by the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society of America.

In addition, the Motorheads of Illinois will be displaying over twenty antique boat motors, some of which date back to the early 1920's.

NEW! Historical Fishing Display

You won't want to miss the "Evolution of Fishing in America" exhibit being presented by Dan Basore and his world renowned Historical Fishing Display. Dan will be on hand all five days and would love to meet with you to discuss the equipment he's displaying and the rate fishing gear you may have found in your basement.

NEW! Adopt-a-Dog Days

What's better than an outdoors enthusiast and their trusted canine companion? How about a family and their newly adopted pet! Stop by the Adopt-a-Dog Center and find a new furry friend. Animal Care League staff and pets will be on site Friday from 5pm-9pm and Saturday from 12pm–5pm. For more information on this great organization go to www.animalcareleague.org

(Tax-deductible adoption fees apply.)

NEW! SpongeBob SquarePants

Meet Bikini Bottoms' favorite resident—SpongeBob Squarepants is making a special appearance at the show. He'll be on hand to greet his fans Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm.

Shedd Aquarium—Listen to your Lakes

Whether boating, fishing, camping, or anything in between – invasive animals and plants are looking for a free ride into the Great Lakes.  Discover how to stop the spread and figure out where invasives hide on your recreational gear.  See native Great Lakes animals up close and take home prizes, discounted coupons and lots of helpful information on how to help keep the Great Lakes, great! 

Affordability Pavilion

Think owning a boat is out of your reach? Think again! When it comes to enjoyable ways to spend your leisure time, boating is far more affordable than you may realize. Be sure to stop by and check out this special showcase of boats you can own for less than $250 per month.

When you compare the costs of boating to a single day at an amusement park or a trip to any major league game, you'll find that dollar for dollar, boating is really quite affordable. See for yourself how boating can stretch your vacation and leisure time budget:
Compare Costs of Boating vs. Other Leisure Activities

                                                                                               Watch why this Chicago Family shops the show!

Miss GEICO racing boat

Feed your need for speed—see one of the world’s fastest offshore racing boats! This legendary craft is powered with the same turbine engines that flew missions in the first Gulf War and is capable of reaching speeds of more than 185 miles per hour. At 40 feet and weighing 10,000 pounds, this MTI turbine race boat is run by a crew of six, including Driver Marc Granet. 

The boat has set two world records and participated in more than 15 races around the world in 2007. She won back-to-back world championships at the 2006 and 2007 Offshore Super Series and captured Championships at Super Boat International and Offshore Performance Association. In October 2007, Miss GEICO shattered another milestone when she hit an average top speed of 188.26 mph on the Mississippi River.

Huck Finn Trout Pond

FREE fishing for children 12 and younger. There's no limit to the fun! Catch-and-release trout pond, stocked with frisky fighting trout is a grest way to introduce kids to the sport of fishing. Adding to the fun—great prizes for any lucky little angler who catches a specially tagged trout. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment when your favorite fisher reels in a "big one"!

Wakeboard & Waterski Clinic

Watch as the pros demonstrate the latest techniques and stunts in wakeboarding and waterskiing on the trampoline, sponsored Munson Ski & Marine. Saturday and Sunday only.