Antique & Classic Boat Display
Lobby D
Presented by the Bob Speltz Land O’Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society
Everybody has a vintage boat memory, whether wood, fiberglass or aluminum! Relive yours at the vintage boat display—boating enthusiasts and nautical history buffs alike will enjoy this fascinating look at a bygone era.
This year’s featured boat is the historic race boat, Dixie Baby. Dixie Baby is a 1921 Ventnor design stepped hull powered with a Hispano-Suiza WWI Spanish aircraft engine through a forward V-drive. Built and driven by L.A. Layne (known as the Houston Wildcat), Dixie Baby won both the Webb Trophy and the Richfield Oil Cup in 1928.
She was returned to her original gleaming glory by Peter Breen of Breen Boatworks in Ontario, Canada, after more than a year-and a half of restoration work. Her motor was completely restored by preeminent vintage engine builder Robert Mishko at his shop in Tennessee.
Don't Miss this chance to also see:
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Bug Bite - Click Here to watch video
Career Day—Friday January 24
Is a marine career in your future? The Progressive® Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show® is pleased to welcome high school and college level students of industrial tech schools to the show to learn about the skills, training and education you need to join a workforce that’s making waves.
This educational opportunity features guest speakers who will offer career advice based on their experience and knowledge, as well as share their passion for the boating industry. Students will learn about the wide range of occupational opportunities in the marine industry, including aluminum and fiber installation and repair, electrical installation and repair, mechanics, manufacturing, marina operation, marketing, service, sales and transportation.
Twin Cities Beach Blast
Lobby E
It is never too early to start thinking of the Twin Cities’ and one of its most beloved events— The Twin Cities Beach Blast. Check out 2019’s Milk Carton Boat Race winner Hidden Figures. Watch past champions of the sand sculpture contest show off their skills and create a sand sculpture during the show.
Kids are invited to build a boat out of milk cartons or create a sand sculpture with kinetic sand.
Innovation Way
Between Lobby C and Lobby D
Check out the year's innovative and award-worthy new products on display along Innovation Way. It's your shortcut to identifying must-see exhibits on the 2020 show floor. Take a look at the 2019 winners.
managed by NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Booth 803
Sit down and relax to escape Winter for a few hours in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It is a great place to socialize and enjoy time with friends as you plan for the 2020 Boating Season! Special food options include Three-Cheese Mac, Three-Cheese Mac & Beef, Tot Hot Dish and Tot Dippers! Enjoy live musical entertainment by Mick Sterling Presents musicians Bobby Vandell and Johnny Brown Thursday–Saturday from 4 PM–8 PM.
Don't miss this delightful Minnesota-inspired oasis!
Boating Skills Virtual Trainer—Test Your Boating Skills
Lobby C
Take the helm and set out on a simulated ”boat trip” to practice boating skills such as docking, pivot turns, stopping and more. The American Boating Club Boating Skills Virtual Trainer is equipped with a steering wheel and real Mercury throttle to give you hands-on experience as you pilot your virtual boat on a lake with other powerboats, sailboats, navigation aids and a marina.
Musical Entertainment
Thursday–Saturday, 4–8 PM
Enjoy the musical talents of local Minneapolis musicians brought to you by Mick Sterling Presents.
Bobby Vandell - On Thursday, local favorite, Bobby will pour his heart into a tribute to Merle Haggard. Bobby has 5 gold and platinum records and has been inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame a record nine times.
Johnnie Brown - On Friday & Saturday, enjoy the dynamic musical talent and incredible voice as Johnnie performs his Island sound set at the show.
Kids’ Discover-A-Boat—FREE for kids ages 5 to 12
Lobby E
Little skippers are invited to navigate the show floor and discover recreational boats of all kinds. Head to the Twin Cities Beach Bash, located in Lobby E, to pick up a map . After visiting all the stations, return the completed map for a prize (while quantities last).