The Ft. Myers Boat Show 2009 is a Smorgasbord of All Things Water Related

Cold weather got you down? Head out this weekend to the 37th Annual Ft. Myers Boat Show 2009, right on the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida, for everything boat and water related.

The weather has turned a little cooler and windy, but the wind is supposed to die down by this weekend. Perhaps the cooler weather wouldn't be ideal for boating, but for spending the day on land shopping, playing and learning all you can about water sports, it can be a real boon. Besides, we're talking maybe high 70s here!

In a nod to the tougher economy, the ticket price for the Ft. Myers Boat Show 2009 has been reduced this year, to $7.00; kids under 12 get in free. Although there is every possible type of boat for sale, from kayaks to yachts, there is so much more to do, see and learn, for the whole family. For pure shopping, the boat show has vendors selling everything related to boating, fishing, diving, skiing, and the newest rage, Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Marine finance and insurance companies will be on hand for the serious buyer.

There are sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking seminars, as well as videos, product displays and experts on hand. Stand Up Paddle Boarding, the "fastest growing sport on the water," according to the Boat Show website, is a cross between surfing and kayaking; Surf World will be doing demonstrations of the trend in the new "Boating Lifestyle Area." For those who work up a thirst and an appetite, shady concessions areas are available offering various themed food stations, seafood, and drinks both soft and sophisticated. Even the Coast Guard gets in on the fun with the Boating Simulator for the kids.

Interested? The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association is holding the Ft. Myers Boat Show 2009 on Thursday through Sunday, November 12-15, 2009 at the Harborside Convention Center, Ft. Myers Yacht Basin and Centennial Park. Come by boat if you like - they have a special dock available. If you're traveling by car, park at nearby City of Palms Park for an air conditioned bus ride to and from the site for only $4.00 a day, and enjoy the show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday). Check the website at http://fortmyersboatshow.com/index.html for additional information. Perhaps you'll soon be out on the water in your new boat; but if not, you'll at least have had a pleasant day dreaming.