Bling My Boat

NEW for 2008! The "Bling My Boat" contest, presented by Travelers and sponsored by Bottoms Up Boat Repair, selected one boat that was seaworthy but hardly "see" worthy and gave it a makeover.

Congratulations to the McGovern family from Kankakee, IL -- the lucky winners who will be cruising in style this summer! Click here for more details on the boat and to view the video footage.

Location: Main Lobby

RC Boat Drag Strip

NEW for 2008! An exciting feature offering attendees of all ages the opportunity to race screaming remote control boats, rooster tail and all, in a 72' aquatic drag strip.

Location: Hall B2

Accessory Center

NEW for 2008! Staffed with boating experts, the Accessory Center will showcase a variety of the latest marine accessories in the following categories: Electronics & Lighting, Safety & Navigation, Electrical Systems, Sanitation, Maintenance, Anchoring & Docking, Towing & Trailering.

Click here for more details and a list of participating companies »

Location: Main Lobby

Crocs Test Drive

NEW for 2008! The popular shoes, with their slip-resistant, non-marking soles, will be available Wednesday through Sunday for attendees to try out and wear during their time at the show. Available in a wide array of color and styles, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the pair of shoes they are Test Driving, select a different style to purchase as they leave the show floor, or return the shoes for an online coupon.

Location: Main Lobby

Maxum "Get in the Game"

NEW for 2008! Don't miss the opportunity to see and win this custom football themed Maxum boat. There will be exciting daily giveaways, such as autographed jerseys and footballs, Sirius Satellite Radio systems and more. There will also be an appearance by a professional football superstar Devin Hester on Thursday, January 17th from 5 to 8 PM.

Location: Main Lobby / Maxum Booth 3617

"Take Me Fishing" Center

Reel fun for everyone from aspiring anglers to full-blown fishing fanatics! This entertaining information center promotes freshwater fishing basics and techniques.  Hands-on activities, presentations and demonstrations will give you the know-how to get started or improve your fishing skills. Be sure to check out the casting pond!

Location: Hall C1

National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

NEW for 2008! This historic exhibit will feature a variety of unique fishing memorabilia including: antique lures, rods and reels, vintage outboard motors and the world record muskie mount caught in Lake Chippewa Flowage, WI.

Location: Hall C1

Travelin' Fish Tank

NEW for 2008! A 40' long giant aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with a variety of native fish. In conjunction with the "Take Me Fishing" Center, casting demos/seminars will be presented throughout the day.

Location: Hall C1 ("Take Me Fishing" Center)

"Go RVing" Information Booth

NEW for 2008! Visit this information booth to learn about the RVing lifestyle. In addition, get literature and view the "Go RVing" DVD from RVIA to help you get started.  The RV/MH Hall of Fame will be present to answer your questions about RVing and its history.

Location: Hall C1

State Farm Boat Show Experience

NEW for 2008! The State Farm Boat Show Experience focuses on boater education and gives consumers a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of video games and giveaways or pose with friends and family for a FREE online photo.

Attendees can also test their boating skills in the State Farm Boat Race Challenge, which allows 4 players to race remote controlled boats.  The player who comes in first wins a prize!

Stop by the State Farm booth for your chance to win a FREE iPod Shuffle!

Location: Hall B2

Discover Boating Center

Your one-stop resource for boating information and advice. Staffed by experts who can answer all your questions and set you on a course to choosing a boat that will give you and your family years of enjoyment, the Discover Boating Center is here to help you become a boater.

Location: Hall B1 (main entrance)

The River

Experience the tranquility of paddling down a lazy river enjoying the sights and sounds of the North Woods. Bringing the outdoors indoors, the Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors presents the opportunity for attendees to climb aboard a canoe to encounter the encounter the spirit of adventure on the water.

Location: Hall B2

First Mate Patch Program

The First Mate Patch Program educates Y-Guides, Campfire Kids, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on the benefits of outdoor recreation. Surveys conducted by Impulse Research Corporation for the NMMA found that outdoor activities can contribute to children being healthier, both physically and psychologically, and act as a way to increase physical fitness, spirit of team play, optimism and self-confidence.

Y-Guides, Campfire Kids, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as adult leaders, will receive FREE admission to the show if they are in uniform.

 The Patch Program begins at the Captain Kids Discovery Point.  Participants will pick up a map and visit 5 various stations throughout the show floors.  At each station, valuable skills and lessons will be taught and the map will be stamped.  After completing the course, return the map to the Captain Kids Discovery Point to receive the First Mate patch and a FREE coupon for one child admission to the Shedd Aquarium.

Location: Hall B2 (start/end point)

ATV Demo Course

Test the latest ATV's on this custom-built off-road track produced by The ATV Safety Institute for attendees 6 years old and 46”tall. ATV Safety Institute instructors will be on-hand to promote the safe and responsible use of ATV's.

For ATV safety information visit:   www.atvsafety.org

Location: Hall C1

Captain Kids Discovery Point

This interactive exhibit encourages children to develop interest in water activities through experience in building model boats, knot tying and boater’s safety. Other features include designated areas to explore and identify different types of boats, ocean literacy, fishing and conservation.

Location: Hall B2

Huck Finn Trout Pond

Catch your limit of fun! Free fishing for children, 12 and younger, at the Huck Finn Trout Pond stocked with the biggest trout east of the Mississippi River.

Location: Hall C1

Wakeboard & Waterski Clinic

During the weekend, watch as the pros demonstrate the latest techniques and stunts in wakeboarding and waterskiing on a trampoline – sponsored Munson Ski & Marine.

Saturday -- 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm

Sunday -- 12:00pm, 2:00pm

Location: Hall C1