In a region saturated in history, it sits as an institution in its own right.

For decades, people have swarmed to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to socialize, talk boats, look and hope – some even to buy.

The Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show has held that kind of place in the area’s immense boating community for a long time.

“It’s a dream world,” said Lynnhaven Marine owner Chuck Guthrie. “A place to look and compare, side by side, and look at lots of variety in one spot instead of driving all over the place.

“It’s a perfect time of year, there are deals to be had, the inventory is better and it’s good for consumers.”

The 72nd annual event – owned by the Norfolk Chapter of the Isaak Walton League – takes place on Jan. 31, and Feb 1-2 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Hours are from noon to 7 on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children under 12 who are accompanied by a paying adult. 

According to organizer Russ Kostinas, a wide variety of vendors will be on hand to show off their crafts. A host of other dealers, selling all sorts of boating-related goods, also will be on hand. Many of the area’s fishing and boating clubs will be there, too.

“We sold out (space) quickly this year,” Kostinas said. “It really is a Virginia-North Carolina showplace. We’ll also have all kinds of clubs and industry people on hand.

“It’s boat people. You can find good deals and talk to a lot of people in the business.”

This year, Lynnhaven will have 24 boats on hand.

Guthrie remembers the beginnings of the company’s participation in the show.

“We started off with a booth to promote the Boatel,” he said. “It grew to where we were jamming in 45 boats that represented all of our lines.

“You’ll be able to meet and talk to a lot of people with the ‘water gene’.”

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