History of the Columbia Boat Show
The Midlands' annual boating event.
- 1963: The show launched in Columbia to cater to a growing regional interest in water recreation, heavily influenced by the rise of nearby Lake Murray. From the very beginning, it established its permanent home at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
- 1960s–2010s: Over the decades, the event expanded from a localized showcase into a massive regional draw. It transformed the fairgrounds every February into an indoor/outdoor showroom featuring dozens of top-tier boat brands, marine electronics, personal watercraft, and outdoor gear.
- 2024: The show underwent its most significant modern transformation when it was acquired by the Midlands Boat Show Group — a coalition formed by local boat dealers who had participated in the show for decades. They partnered with JBM & Associates, a prominent Southeast marine marketing firm, to revamp the event.
- Present Era: Today, the show operates as a highly interactive, family-focused lifestyle expo. In addition to over 50–60 major boat brands, the event features live musical performances, food trucks, youth fishing clinics and activities, and fishing/boating seminars.
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