Optimist Club Planning 'Show That Works For Kids'

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club is again sponsoring the 26^th Annual Seaside Boat Show, known as the 'show that works for kids,' on Feb. 13-15.

Held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the show traditionally draws thousands of water and boating enthusiasts to the resort over Presidents Day weekend. The show provides the Optimist Club, which has more than 120 members, the opportunity to raise funds to support its programs to support local youth and community service programs including the girl scouts, boy scouts, Junior Achievment, Diakonia, Childrens House by the Sea, all local schools and recreation programs.

The show will feature more than 350 boats, 150 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. They will offer numerous special show prices and will display their newest and most popular models and water-related items.

Exhibitors slated to display their wares this year include sport cruisers, sport fishing, performance and 'super boats', marine electronics, trailers, canvas tops, motors, jewelery, art and fishing gear.

One of the highlights of the annual show is a wonderful door prize. North Bay Marina owners Scott and Mary McCurdy are again donating a pontoon boat. Each person who purchases a show admission has a chance to win the pontoon boat.

The Optimists also sponsor a scholarship lottery with a $100,000 prize. More than 200 students have received more than $1.25 million in scholarships the past 20 years. The lottery drawing is held at 5 p.m. the last day of the show. Chances are $100 and can be purchased the boat show.

Times of the show are Friday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $1 for kids. A weekend pass is available for $15.