DETROIT – On a wintry Sunday, people are finding respite inside Huntington Place.
“It’s Feb. 2. It’s snowing right now. So, this is a great day to come out to the show and see -- think about warmer days,” John Brooks said.
People envision how they want to spend those nice days out on the water at the Detroit Boat Show.
“It’s so peaceful. It is a place for peace for so many of us,” said Larmender Davis, president of Black Women on the Water.
The social club promotes boater education and community service.
“The water provides an escape for us,” Davis said.
The Michigan Boating Industries Association spearheads what’s known as the original, biggest, and best boat show in the state.
There are over 600 boats on the floor, according to Amanda Wendecker, vice president of marketing for the association. From high-end to budget-friendly options, some boaters are already placing their orders just in time for spring.
In Michigan, boating is not just a luxury but also an industry.
“It’s a huge industry. Boating is huge in Michigan,” Wendecker said. “We have an $11.7 billion annual economic impact on the state…we are the second registered -- in most registered boats in the country which is impressive because we’re a four -- season state.”
While the big kids are enjoying the boats, the event offers family entertainment with shows highlighting Twiggy, the water-skiing squirrel, and other close encounters with marine life.
SeaLand Encounters rescues animals such as sharks and sting-rays with the hope of placing them in aquariums.
“Once something is removed from the wild, it can’t be put back in,” Felipe Velarde said. “So, we always have to keep finding a bigger home for them.”
Inside Huntington Place, the Detroit Boat Show is bringing the outdoor fun indoors and runs through Saturday, Feb. 8. Tickets are $14 and kids 12 and under get in for free.
Also, if people are interested in a career in the boating industry, the show is scheduled to host a career day on Monday.
