PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – The Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show combined live music, food trucks and, of course, boats of all kinds.
The 7th annual event drew hundreds of people.
The Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show is back at Aaron Bessant Park.
Over 350 boats, 13 dealers and $40 million worth of marine inventory.
“It's really become a community-based program,” said Jim Cox, a spokesman for Emerald Coast Boating and Lifestyle.
Of course, the main purpose of the show is to sell boats, but officials want people to know that the event is for everyone.
“There was food, there was live music, there were cocktails, there was entertainment for the kids. Stilt walkers walking around making balloons. We are dog friendly. We welcome dogs here at the show. We set a record number of boats. Whether you buy a boat today or not, come out here and enjoy the show,” said Cox.
On the final day of the event, event organizers expressed their gratitude to the military.
Free admission to all active duty members and veterans.
At noon, the national anthem was sung to honor the military community.
Organizers said vendors were happy to participate in a record year for the number of boats and people.
“Honestly, this year's event is three times better than last year's event. It's unbelievable. Currently I'm not in the market to own a boat, but if I were, I'd take the Emerald It will be at the Coast Boating and Lifestyle Show,” said legendary marine salesman Todd Royal.
Royall said he's happy to be able to point someone in the right direction, even if they can't buy a boat with him.
One resident who recently moved from Texas said it was the best boat show he's been to in years.
“We really enjoy this boat show. We just moved here from Texas in June. We always went to the Houston boat show, but this one is embarrassing. We have some beautiful boats here and some great deals,” resident Jim Lienstra said.
Mr. Lienstra said he would want to buy another boat when he returns next year.
“I'm glad to be out there and it was a great show. If you guys have any time left in the day. Get out there,” said Lienstra.
Next year's boat show will be from February 28th to March 2nd.
For more information about the boat show or to become a vendor next year, click here.
