Boat shows, arts festival mark Presidents Day weekend

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- More than 500 yachts are turning heads along the Intracoastal this weekend at the 25th Yacht and Brokerage Show, one of several special events taking place across South Florida during Presidents Day weekend.

A mile-long stretch of Collins Avenue is being filled with the luxury vessels, which measure up to 200 feet in length.

Tourists come to Miami Beach just to attend the annual event. "We've come down from Georgia," said yacht shopper David Ball. "This is the place to be if you're going to buy a boat," he added.

From classic craftsmanship to wild and whimsical designs, the free show displays eye-boggling boats priced at up to $60 million. "The boats are amazing, the inside, the wood detail," observed Faybeth Ball.

Over at the Miami Beach Convention Center, power boats like the 165-mph Black Diamond are a must-see at the Miami International Boat Show. "It looks like Batman's boat," observed Karine Rosemond, who is visiting from St. Maarten.

Power boats, party boats and pontoons are making waves inside the large South Beach venue. "This is one of the biggest [boat shows], so you can pretty much see everything in one space if you have the time for a few days," said Cape Cod resident Scott Lacey.

Part of the show takes place outdoors at Miamarina, located within Bayside Marketplace. Visitors to all boat shows are encouraged to bring slip-on footwear since there's a "no shoes" policy inside the boats.

Further inland, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is gearing up for its 50th anniversary. "We got 1400 submissions from artists," said festival president Monty Trainer. "We select 380, and they're the finest artists," he continued.

Artists from all across the country set up their creations, all on display Saturday thru Monday along South Bayshore Drive. "We have paintings, we have glass works, we have ceramics, we have photography, we have mixed media," said Trainer. "We have 13 different persuasions, so you get something of everything."

From sculptures to sailboats, it's time to go out and play this President's Day weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Miami International Boat Show
www.miamiboatshow.com

The Yacht & Brokerage Show
www.showmanagement.com/event/

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival
www.cgaf.com

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