Sail and powerboat shows pour money into the Annapolis economy

The big boys – and girls- toy show is docked in Annapolis this weekend.  The United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows bring thousands to Maryland’s capital, and this weekend the 35^th Powerboat show will feed the dreams of present and future yachtsmen.

But the money that changes hands won’t all go into floating custom interiors and state-of-the-art electronics.  An article in The Capital estimates that the shows, including last weekend’s Sailboat show, add $51 million to the local economy, "… and several thousand of those dollars end up in the coffers of nonprofit organizations that reinvest in the community."

Anyone who has driven around Annapolis knows that parking is a challenge, so local schools allow parking on school grounds and charge $20 for the privilege.  The money raised this year will buy musical instruments for students; past earnings have refurbished a basketball court and bought computers for the school. 

Other schools and churches sell pit beef, crabcakes, turkey, and seafood gumbo. And the Annapolis Maritime Museum raises funds for restoring the McNasby oyster house, it’s future home, by selling premium parking at the base of Spa Creek Bridge.

One year Walter Cronkite parked at the Eastport Elementary School.  Who knows what famous name will support local nonprofits this year on his way to happy times afloat?

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