Organizers Prepare For Oklahoma Boat Expo In Tulsa

Boats from over 14 dealers across the state are packed inside the Cox Convention Center this weekend for the inaugural Oklahoma Boat Expo.

"This one has a hard top which is optional, and it also has a sunroof here," said Kevin McClure with Grand Lake Boat Sales as he showed off one of his displays.

He says they've never shown boats in this building before, but they're looking forward to the weekend.

"This is a new venue for us we're really excited about it. It's a great building, great atmosphere, we're really looking forward to a great show," McClure said.

There are obviously a ton of boats at the show, but folks that come this weekend will see a whole lot more.

"Outdoor kitchens, we have personal watercraft, ATVs, side-by-sides, tractors, there's just a whole array of it," said Don Miner, who organized the event.

He said people will find that it's different from Tulsa boat shows in the past.

"It is something that aesthetically is so different for a boat and RV show, it's a much more intimate setting yet you still have as much product as you'd expect to see at one of these shows," Miner said.

He says people will also see boats that aren't usually at Tulsa shows.

"We even have dealers that have come here from other parts of the state, and that's unusual for Tulsa. Usually, Tulsa just has their dealers from right here inside of Tulsa and Grand Lake." 

For McClure, this expo is a chance for people to not only find a boat but to use it to create lifelong memories.

My grandfather had a place at the lake and those memories are still instilled in me, some of the values of the swimming and family time and stuff like that is just really important," McClure said. 

The show runs through this Sunday.