The 65th Annual Jacksonville Boat Show is this Weekend!
Tons of boats, fun activities for children and free lifevests are just a few

Posted Jan. 26, 2012

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The Jacksonville Marine Association invites you to join them at the 65th Annual Jacksonville Boat Show! There will be a large variety of boats on display, from skiing, fishing, cruisers, personal watercrafts and more! The first 100 kids will receive FREE life jackets, and there will be fun activities for the kids all day!

According to the Florida Times-Union, the three-day show, which opens Friday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, will be bigger than ever, with events for every member of the family.

“This should be the best show yet — I only have four or five [exhibit] spaces left — we’re going to be full,” the Times-Union article quoted show manager Kenny Sherwood as saying, “And we expect a much higher attendance as well, because, for the first time in years, the show is not being held on Super Bowl weekend. We’ve been begging the convention center to change our show date and it finally happened. And, with kids under 12 admitted free, you can make a family event of attending.”

This year's show also features a raffle for a one-week vacation in Costa Rica being raffled off by Nosara Paradise Rentals, a new concept in vacation accommodations that offers all the services of a first-class hotel with the privacy of an authentic Costa Rican-style home. Chances on the vacation are $5 apiece, with all proceeds going to the Jacksonville Marine Association to be distributed among the association’s many charities.

Be sure to bring your junior boaters, because this year Don Dingman will be conducting his engaging and entertaining "Hook the Future" fishing clinic for children attending the show. Dingman is a local fishing captain and TV show host. Every child who attends the clinic will receive a free pole and tackle box.

Seminars and Education for the Adults!

During the boatshow the Jacksonville Marine Association will hold short seminars designed to get you out on the water and have fun.

Seminars

Don Dingman's Hook The Future Kids Clinic.
Sat. 12:00 & 2:00 Sun. 1:00 & 3:00

Tarpon & Sportfishing seminars.
Sat. 1 :00 & 3:00
Sun. 12:00 & 2:00

Dates:

Friday through Sunday, January 27th, 28th and 29th, 2012

Cost

Tickets available at box office: $8 for adults; children under 12 are free. Anyone with a valid military ID will able to purchase a ticket for $5 on Friday.

Times

• Friday 11 AM to 8 PM
• Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM
• Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM

Where

The Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

Here's a video about last year's boat show: