Quad City Boat Show Economic Bellwether? - KWQC-TV6 News and Weather For The Quad Cities -

Quad City Boat Show Economic Bellwether?

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It's the time of year when Quad Citians get to turn their thoughts to summer, right in the middle of winter. The annual Quad City Boat and Vacation Show opened Friday afternoon at the Davenport RiverCenter. There are lots of shiny new boats, fishing gear and other vacation displays filling two exhibition halls.

Organizers say this year represents a significant comeback for the industry, with more boat dealers participating.

"For the boating market, it has gotten better," said show producer John Bunge. "It was quite a downslide three years ago. Dealers are busier and everyone has lots of products to showcase."

There are also fishing seminars and entertainment, plus, the first 200 children under 90 pounds get a free life jacket.

The show runs through Sunday.

Something else for outdoor enthusiasts is the annual Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days. That show opened Friday at the Q.C.C.A. Expo Center in Rock Island. Exhibits focus on the great birds of prey and other wildlife as well as the environment. It also runs through Sunday.