Photo: Powerboat Show by United States Yacht Shows, Inc.
By Jake Russell
Beginning with VIP Preview Day today, thousands of boating enthusiasts will converge at Annapolis City Dock to view some of the world’s top watercraft.
The 42nd Annual United States Powerboat Show, the oldest and largest in-water powerboat show in the country, will continue through Sunday with an estimated attendance of over 40,000 people. The powerboat show boasts a wide range of displays, including family cruisers, antique boats, luxurious yachts, offshore fishing boats and high-performance motor boats.
Over 100 powerboats from companies such as Back Cove Yachts, Riverside Marine, Inc., Annapolis Boat Sales, Grady-White, and many more will be docked in Downtown Annapolis for the public to enjoy.
The Arnold Room at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel will host six interactive boating seminars starting at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Guests can choose from iNavigation, Get Your Captain’s License, Marine Diesel Basics, Radar & AIS, Cruising the ICW, and Dock ‘n Dine.
There will also be a grand prize drawing for a seven day, six night luxury charter in the British Virgin Islands.
Guests are encouraged to park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for $10 due to the influx of traffic in Downtown Annapolis during the event. Tickets for the event are $18 for adults, $5 for children 7-12, and free for kids six and under. Two day combo tickets are $31.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Davidsonville will hold its Annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Kids can enjoy a moon bounce, pony rides, games, face painting, food, music, and an obstacle course. The festival, which began in 2005, is free and there will also be door prize drawings for guests.
Also on Saturday, the Severna Park Community Center will have its 14th Annual Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 4-8, and free for kids three and under. Food will be served by local restaurants. Local cele ities will also make an appearance.
Beginning and ending at Salisbury University, the 25th Annual Sea Gull Century Ride will test your endurance with several 100 mile scenic courses on Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Registration is $90 through 7 p.m. Friday with no day-of registration available. There will be a Saturday Lawn Party with music on the Perdue Lawn from 12:30-5:30 p.m. and vendor merchandise and Sea Gull Century gear will be on sale at the Maggs Center from 4-8 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.
Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Terrapin Park in Stevensville will play host to the 2nd Annual Miles for Moms 5K & 10K Run/Walk. The family-friendly race that has food, face-painting, kids games, local vendors with goodies for sale, and live music. Participants are encouraged to ing a picnic blanket to rest and relax on the beach with a picturesque view of the Chesapeake Bay. Visit milesformoms.weebly.com for more info.
In the spirit of keeping active on the Eastern Shore, there will also be two Osprey Triathlons on Saturday. The 14th Annual Osprey Triathlon, set at Public Landing in Snow Hill, starts at 9 a.m. and benefits The Coastal Bays Program. The race offers a half-mile swim through the Chincoteague Bay, 15.2 mile bike ride, and a run on Bayside Road. Entry fee is $10.
The Kent School will also host its own Osprey Triathlon at 9 a.m. Saturday. Consisting of three legs, this triathlon has a seven-mile bike race, two-mile kayak course and a three-mile run. Stop by kentschool.org/osprey-triathlon for more information.
