Just because you live in a cold, Midwestern city like St. Louis doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy marine activities during the winter. In fact, one of the premier events of the St. Louis boating community happens every year in the heart of winter, during February: the annual St. Louis Boat and Sports Show.

St. Louis Boat and Sports Show

2010 will be the 56^th annual show, and it takes place from February 10 to February 14 at America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome. This year, there will be hundreds of exhibitors featuring the latest marine accessories, outdoor sports gear for fishing and hunting and, of course, boats. You’ll also find some of the best deals on boats and boating equipment of the year during the show.

This show will not only give you access to the best bargains of the season, it lets you see what’s up and coming. Whether you want to enhance your outdoor experience or whether you want to buy a boat for the first time, this is the show you want to be at. You can even find special features like the Affordability Pavilion, archery competitions, pre-show shopping and boating seminars.

The Miami International Boat Show

St. Louis isn’t the only place you can see what’s going on in the boating world this coming February. The Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami will take place from February 11 to February 15, 2010. This event is in its 69^th year, and promises to offer something for everyone.

The Miami show draws many tens of thousands of visitors every year. There are expected to be over 2,000 exhibitors at this year’s show. The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center.

This is the place to see thousands of boats, as well as several hundred booths displaying the latest and greatest boating accessories and outdoor gear.

This year, the Strictly Sail Miami event will take place within the Miami International Boat Show. In years past, Strictly Sail Miami has taken place at the Miamarina at Bayside. Now, it will take place at Sea Isle Marina. This event will be combined with the powerboat portion of the Miami show, making for an interesting event that will appeal to both powerboat and sailing enthusiasts.

There are many different features at this show, as well. There is the Big Game Room, an Affordability Pavilion, and a Discover Boating Center. There is even a Discover Boating photo contest, which this year is sponsored by the Miami Herald.