The bright lights of the new Nassau Coliseum rained down on the 60th annual Long Island Boat Show. Attendees of all ages walked up and down the Coliseum floors, admiring boats of all shapes and sizes.

“I have to come out when the boat show is going on,” said 23-year-old Peter Faucella, who described himself as a boat show regular. “I used to come here all the time with my family.”

A nostalgic feeling washed over Faucella, who attended the boat show with his brother, Gene. “It brings back great memories of family events,” Faucella said. “A lot of great people, a lot of good energy.”

Summer is just around the corner, and the boat show was hosted from April 5-7. it returned to the new Coliseum after a hiatus. The boat show is an event that brings family and friends of all ages together.

The biggest boat show on Long Island was filled with attendees of all ages. Numerous boat dealers from across Long Island were on hand for the event. New and used boats were on sale, along with with 75-vendor retail square.

“The benefit of the boat show to the masses is it allows dealers from all parts of the island to show their products and show their product lines,” said Angelo Costanza, the operating principal of Blue Marlin Boats.

Attendees were able to board and walk around parked boats in some booths. The boats ranged from 18 to 39 feet.

Tickets were priced at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and free to children. Children ran up and down boats as parents adored the beauty of the boats.

“We try to make it more of a family event,” Costanza added. “We try to do that same entailment into our booth.”

Costanza’s booth included a photo opportunity with a cut-out shark and flowers. He wanted attendees to go on his boats with their children.

The boat show offered savings for those looking to purchase boats. The show featured discounts, deal incentives and on the spot financing to help buyers.
“If they (customers) are going to buy a boat for the season, this is the show to do it at,” said Scott Shane of Montauk Yacht Sales.

Shane’s boat are mainly used for fishing, but are family-friendly as well. “You can have a family on it, you can go fishing or you can just go out for the day cruising,” he added.

The boat show featured all different types of boats. These boats included yachts, deck boats, motorboats, and flat boats. Those who never driven a boat were able to do so as well as a high-tech boating simulator that was available to guests.

The retail square offered many supplies for boaters and children. Paramotors, boat lettings, marine supply and even shoe cleaning supplies were on sale. The retail square also included face-painting, hoop shooting and a video arcade for children.

“Nature” Nick Jacinto performed three times on Saturday and Sunday. He is a well known animal handler and his show featured animals from all over the world.

“Boating does bring family members and friends together,” said Costanza. “That special unity and the memories that are made by the unification of family and friends is unforgettable.”

Original Article: Long Island Herald