Get Yourself on the water at the Sports & Rv Show Chicago

The temperatures for 2012's Martin Luther King Day weekend is finally supposed to dip below freezing, but that doesn't mean you cannot go boating. The Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show has a world of boating at McCormick Place. And there are even actual events that can gets ticket holders on the water.

Chicago Boat And Rv Show 2012

Our favorite is the Power Boat Docking Challenge. It's essentially a live video game, with show participants competing against the clock, steering and docking a 4-foot, twin engine, remote-controlled power boat down a 20 foot pool into a marina and, ultimately, a slip. Tell us that a 10-year-old is not going to humiliate the adults and win this?

Anyone 10 and older can also learn to SCUBA, in the comfort of a heated pool. Instructors will explain basic diving rules and skills, then you get to take the plunge. All equipment is provided. And it's free.

There will also be a lot of information and demonstrations for those looking to buy boats or those looking to take care of the boats they already own.

The Chicago Boat Sports Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the country.

At the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show you can compare a wide variety of boats, talk to experts and meet with leading boat dealers. Besides showcasing the best selection in boats, RVs and marine and outdoors accessories in the Midwest, the show also includes a new and improved learning annex this year.

Chicago Boat Sports Show

Chicago’s McCormick Place is North America’s premier convention hub and attracts more than, three million trade and public show visitors annually. McCormick Place,encompasses four state-of-the-art buildings, the North and South Buildings, the West Building and the Lakeside Center. These buildings include 2.7 million square feet of exhibit halls, assembly seating for 18,000 people and ceiling heights up to 50 feet, making it the nation’s largest convention center. McCormick Place is linked by promenades and sky bridges, and the Grand Concourse contains retail shops, cafes, restaurants and other visitor amenities.

The show runs Thursday, Jan. 12, through Monday, Jan. 16 at McCormick Place. You can purchase tickets . All online e-ticket purchases include a 1-year magazine subscription to Yachting, Spa, Ski, Boating or Soundings magazine.