Through the years, we all like to celebrate traditions, and recognize milestones. The 2004 Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2004. That's right folks, their 50th Anniversary. The Renfro family has brought a Mid-Winter outdoor tradition to families across the mid-west now for almost 50 years. The holidays are over; the fruitcake is stale and as solid as the frozen mid-west tundra that goes "scrunch" as you trudge off to work on in the dark. While the Winter hasn't been too terribly bad this year there has to be something better than watching reruns on television, renting videos, playing board games, or reading that book or magazine you've read before and dreaming of Spring. Let's face it. There aren't any holiday breaks coming up until Easter. It's that time of year again the "Long Haul" from New Years Day to Easter. If you don't have it yet, but eventually you'll be officially diagnosed with "Cabin Fever". Well, get out that new calendar, and make plans for a family getaway. The 50th Annual Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show will be going on February 20-29, 2004, and has something for everyone in your family. Want more, in conjunction with the Boat, Sport and Travel Show the 7th Annual Indiana Deer and Turkey Exposition will be going on the first weekend February 20-22, 2004, and on the second weekend the 13th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Exposition will be going on February 26-29, 2004. If you've never been to this "Cadillac of Shows" you're truly missing out on a sure cure for "Cabin Fever". People that attend the Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show come from many surrounding states annually just to get their "Cabin Fever Cure". There is something for everyone. In my opinion this is "the best show" in the mid-west. The memories and fun you'll share with your family will keep you coming back. The show is very diversified and has something for everyone. I remember as a child, we'd come to the Indianapolis Boats Sport and Travel Show and have a great time, every single year. The fun and memories are absolutely priceless. I also remember working many shows for my sponsors, and I have just as many priceless memories and laughs. 2004 Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show Hours Friday, February 20th 3:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday, February 21st 10:00am - 9:00pm Sunday, February 22nd 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday, February 23rd Noon - 9:00pm Tuesday, February 24th 3:00pm - 9:00pm     Friday, February 27th 3:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday, February 28th 10:00am - 9:00pm Sunday, February 29th 10:00am - 5:00pm THE GREATEST SHOW, UNDER FIVE BUILDINGS Again, this year the show will be big, really big featuring five buildings for outdoor enthusiasts. The East Pavilion is the "Sportsman's Arena". Known as Water Sports Central, the selection and exhibits are simply awesome. It will also have ATV's, Truck Accessories, some personal watercraft on display, and some travel and tourism exhibits. There will also be the Big AIR competition on both weekends. Watch local canines jump and dive with all their heart as they compete to go to ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. Also watch "Lumberjack Sports International". These big, burley, rough, and tumble men of the woods have taken a break from work to compete. Top names as seen ESPN and OLN, including World Titleholder's and Gold Medalists Tony Bush and Darren Hudson. The entire show will be powered by STIHL and will feature the STIHL 066 hot saws. These saws are truly workhorses, and so are the guys who operate them. Watch the head to head action, and let the wood chips fly! Featured in the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion will be Tackletown USA. Everything for the fisherman under one roof. You can see demonstrations with the latest tackle and techniques, sample some delectable shorelunch recipes. Talk to both manufacturers and retailers then purchase these items too. All in the same building! The Hawg Trough (a 5,000 gallon, 40' long, and 8' deep aquarium) displays things from fishes view in it's crystal clear water, and will have a variety of fishing seminars from some of the best in the business. The kid's won't want to miss Dan Armitage's seminars on the Hawg Trough either. (check your program for seminar dates and times of these anglers) You'll also want to stop by the Indiana BASS Federation booth and purchase a raffle ticket on that beautiful Ranger boat loaded with all the bells and whistles, and let the kids enter the daily National Bassmaster Casting Kid's conducted by the Indiana BASS Federation. There's no entry fee, and kid's ages 7-14 can simply sign up and compete on site it's that simple and that easy. The Pepsi Coliseum will feature a rock-climbing wall, Laser Shotgun in 3D as well as travel and tourism exhibits from over twenty-two different states and Canada. Looking for a different place to vacation? You've come to the right place. This diverse selection of tourism exhibitors at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show is second to none. White water rafting, canoe trips, dude ranches, hunting lodges, fishing lodges, resorts, state travel divisions and visitors bureaus. You can plan your much deserved vacation right here. The Pepsi Coliseum The South Pavilion will boast one of the biggest RV displays ever. If your looking for an RV this year. You'll definitely want to check out these displays and prices first. A smorgasbord of RV dealers awaits you. Check out the latest styles, and models. Motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tent campers there all here complete with special show rates and even on the spot financing! There will also be some boats expanded into the South Pavilion. In The West Pavilion there will be boats! Lot's of boats! As far as the eye can see. Actually five acres of name brand boats, canoes, and luxury cruisers with over thirty dealers. Perhaps you're looking for a new boat, or just dreaming about one. Well, look no further, dreams can come true at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show I've seen it for myself. This is one place one can shop, compare, different boat qualities and features without driving. Want more, the dealers usually have locked in special "show rates" at the banks and have purchase incentives as well. The unaffordable suddenly becomes affordable at Indianapolis, check it out. If you like history, and antiques, you might find this of interest. At the 50th Annual Indianapolis, Boat, Sport, and Travel Show there will be a display of boats from the past. Yes, that's right, "A Nostalgic look back at Classic Boats". Go back in time, and see how things have changed. Want more, the 50th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show has more! Check your program for times and days but here's more. ATTENTION DOG LOVERS Doug Janes a breeder and trainer of AKC hunting retriever's for thirty years will be hosting dog training Seminars basic training to marking he has produced 100 AKC Master Hunters, 89 Senior Hunters, and 185 Junior Hunters. Of course I mentioned the "Big Air Jump" competition earlier, but again if you like dogs check it out. LIKE SQUIRRELS? - See Twiggy! I hear Twiggy "The Water-Skiing Squirrel" has made time in her busy schedule for an appearance at Indy. The incredible water skiing squirrel has been touring North America for 25 years and has been featured on Ripley's Believe It or Not, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and America's Funniest Animals. Everybody likes Twiggy! MADE IN THE USA Scott Barkdoll will be demonstrating construction, and restoration techniques for new and antique wood canvas canoes. There'll also be finished and in-process canoes on display. This is truly a tribute to our heritage of American Craftsmanship. INDOOR ARCHERY RANGE Test that new bow, or have one of the staff from the Indiana Bow Hunters Association show you and your children some pointers on proper safety and shooting techniques. There will also be the Bowhunter Challenge which will feature moving 3d targets of deer, and other game animals popping up at random as you try your best from atop an elevated tree stand. Competitive as well as educational a real simulation of the bowhunting experience. MOTORCYCLE APPAREL During the motorcyle Expo the girls from Hooters Restaurant will be taking to the runway modeling the latest motorcycle apparel. The fashion shows are sponsored by Hooters restaurant. LET'S EAT!! After you've been through all of this, it'll be time to eat. Did I mention the food? I've worked a lot of the big sport shows. But the food at Indianapolis, It's the best; Hands down The Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show has the best food. Nothing fills the bill like one of their tasty Italian Sausage's smothered in green peppers and onions followed with an icy cold Pepsi it just doesn't get any better than that. I never liked long bookstore lines when I attended Indiana State, and I sure don't like them when I'm ready to go check out what's new, and visit with friends. Odds are the kid's won't like them either. I'd advise anyone attending this year's show to try to get advanced tickets if you can. They can be purchased through any Indiana BASS Federation affiliated chapter, and at Marsh Supermarkets. Advanced tickets save the time, and the long lines. You'll also save a little money. So, be sure to mark your calendar, February 20-29, 2004 and bring the whole family to attend the 50th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show. The 50th Annual Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show has something for everyone in the family.