Naples Florida

The popularity of Bayfront will take a different look June 17-18 when the Marine Industries Association of Collier County stages its first in the water boat show at the Mediterranean style development that is becoming the waterfront focal point in downtown Naples.

The boat show has attracted over 15 Collier County dealers and 70 boats with half the boats in the Bayfront Marina water and others displayed throughout the main Bayfront retail area. Boats will range in size from small inflatables to yachts up to 40 feet.

Admission is free for the show that is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"We will create a festive atmosphere with our restaurants, art galleries, the Cabana Bar and other shops being involved," said Kevin Stoneburner, the owner of Bayfront. "The restaurants will theme their specials for the weekend around the boat show and the galleries will have special art involving the water and boating."

Bayfront's "Restaurant Row" now includes the nationally acclaimed Roy's, the Hawaiian Fusion restaurant that is located on the waterfront. Roy's joins the previous cast that includes Catch 22, Bellagio, Stoney's Steakhouse, Lisbon Nights and Pop Café.

Bayfront's "Gallery Walk" has a diverse collection of five art galleries.

"We represent over 100 artists from 20 countries in the Bayfront galleries, all with a new design and large spaces that in turn has created a new art destination," said Roger Weatherburn Baker, owner of the Weatherburn Gallery.

"This promises to be our hottest show of the year and since we're out of season there will be some great values for buyers," said Mick Anderson, owner of Naples Yacht Finishing and secretary of the Marine Industries Association.

Among the dealers displaying boats at the show are Naples Yacht Brokerage, Boatshopper, Marina Mikes, Boater's Landing, MarineMax, Wolcott Marine, The Boat Place, Naples Boat Mart and Lowe's Marine Sales.

The boat show benefits the Freedom Waters Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides boating opportunities and marine related education for people with special needs and youth at risk.

Contact: Dave Kempton (239) 405-1709

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