GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -
The largest boat and yacht show on the Gulf Coast is coming to Gulfport this weekend.
Organizers of the "Gulf Coast Yacht and Boat Show" moved their big event from Orange Beach, AL to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this year.
We found out why they made the move and what you can expect to see this weekend at Jones Park and the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor.
The tents are going up and the boats are pulling in.
"This was the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast we moved it from Orange Beach to Gulfport believe it or not because this is the only facility in the upper Gulf Coast that can house a show like this," organizer Rob Lynch said.
Lynch said he is thrilled with the new location and cooperation.
"Phenomenal, I love this facility. Gulfport's been a great place to move this event to. They have a great facility. We have all the room to grow. The city's been very pro-active with us," Lynch said.
In the water of the small craft harbor and under Barksdale Pavilion and beyond, he said there will be EVERYTHING boat lovers could ever want or need.
"We have everything from 14 foot boats all the way up to 70 foot motor yachts and cruisers in water, on land. We have actual Caterpillar engines, Volvo and more, we have every major manufacturer at the show both outboard and inboards. We have every available line that is from Panama City from New Orleans, even Texas brands and we have manufacturers from Florida and the Carolinas as well," Lynch said.
And he said all of that means tourism dollars for South Mississippi. Tickets are $10 and are good Friday through Sunday and kids under 12 get in free.
"I've already been told that hotel rooms are already filling up, just on our rooms alone. We're running out and starting to send people to Biloxi and right away that tells you that people are coming in from all across the country," Lynch said.
For early bird ticket prices and to find out about seminars and fishing celebrity appearances go to http://gulfcoastyachtandboatshow.com/
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