Red River Valley Boat & Marine Products Show Returns for 34th Iteration

The three-day extravaganza brings those looking forward to warmer months to the Fargodome to possibly make key purchases.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Even though few people are considering outdoor activities with the temperatures this low – thousands still flocked to the Fargodome this weekend to prepare for boating season in the warmer months.

The 34th annual Red River Valley Boat & Marine Products Show took place from January 23 to 25.

Roughly 30 different boat sales groups set up on the floor, while another 30 vendors sold their wares in the east concourse.

Organizers said the cold didn’t put a damper on attendance, as about 5 to 6 thousand people still turned up to check out the latest in recreational water products.

They say this is actually the perfect time of year to buy in order to set up your summer.

“Then the manufacturers know how many boats to build – they can forecast what the season looks like,” explained Barry Cenaiko, show manager. “These shows are very important – they produce about 60% of all boats sold. Those originate at a show like the Fargo Boat Show.”

Cenaiko further elaborated on why now is a good time to order that boat, saying “If you buy it in April, you may not get it until later in the summer. Summer months are precious and few, so we want to take advantage of them.”

Outdoor enthusiasts now turn their attention to the annual Sportsmen’s Show, which will be returning to the Fargodome the first weekend of March.