Texas boat show draws thousands more than expected

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas International Boat Show, in its first time in the city of Corpus Christi, exceeded attendance expectations by bringing in 17,000 visitors, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported in a story yesterday.

Boat show spokeswoman Kristi Pena said the show drew 500 vessels and that about 10,000 more people attended the show than organizers anticipated.

“We were in shock (Saturday) night,” Pena told the newspaper. “We definitely exceeded our goal.”

City Manager Skip Noe said events such as the boat show highlight the city’s potential for growth and ability to attract tourists and their dollars.

“In terms of the boat show, it was a chance to begin a hopefully long-term event,” Noe said. “It’s about recognizing one of our unique attributes, which is the water. It’s something we can focus on to get more attention.”

• For more of the latest news, click here.