My general loathing of “big” boat shows such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale is no secret. Truth be told, it has more to do with general contempt for big crowds, period, rather than the events themselves. God bless if you feel comfortable in large groups, because I’m just not. The moment I arrive at any big event—other than a Major League Baseball game—I look for the nearest exit. If I plan to be gone by 3 p.m., I’m out by 2.
Same goes with big parties. As anyone who knows me can attest, I’ve raised the Irish Goodbye to an artform. Being half Irish by descent, I can claim to come by it honestly. But I’m also half Italian, and that tribe tends to love messy big-group affairs. It must have skipped a generation with me.
That’s why I dig small boat shows produced by dealerships such as Big Thunder Marine. The multi-brand, triple location at the Lake of the Ozarks has hosted a few such events this year and has another one on tap this weekend. Starting this Friday and running through Sunday, Big Thunder Marine will host its Fall Boat Show at the multi-brand dealership’s Speed and Luxury Showroom, Family Boating Center and Ozark Yacht Club locations.
With temperatures topping out in the low-80s and minimal showers only forecast for Friday, the weekend weather couldn’t’ be better. Admission is free and all locations will serve complimentary food and drinks.
“Our teams at our in-house showrooms will get to know you and your family’s boating history, and help you find what you’re really looking for,” said Sage Rush, Big Thunder Marine’s marketing coordinator. “We have 20 brands of boats you can climb aboard and explore, as well as enjoy during on-water demos.
“With climate-controlled showrooms, a more personal atmosphere and real time with the boats and the people who know them best, our shows bring you closer to the boating lifestyle than any large, generic event can,” she added.
Winter is coming and the big-name boats shows will come with it. Big Thunder Marine’s event this weekend is, if not a refreshing alternative, a darn good warm-up.