“Many people were convinced the show wouldn’t survive its first year,” Schultz noted, “but it not only survived, it thrived, and is recognized today as one of the most respected and well-attended boat shows in the country.”

In-water boat shows had become very popular with boaters in many parts of the country, but Lake Michigan lacked a major show of the same caliber staged elsewhere.

In 1978 a handful of local boat dealers partnered with the Michigan City Port Authority and asked Schultz if he and the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association – which already produced successful shows on Lake Erie – to consider Michigan City as a possible site for a major new event.

Aerial view of the 1st Michigan City In-Water Boat Show, 1980

The results of a LEMTA study clearly indicated Michigan City would be a good location for a show, as it could serve boaters from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. The area’s harbor facilities were excellent and access from all points around Lake Michigan was convenient via major highways.

The success of the show has had a large positive impact on Michigan City. It is estimated that since 1980, the show has pumped more than $39 million into the local economy.

A lot of money raised by the boat show is directly channeled back into the community. The Port Authority has used thousands of dollars in rent it receives from the show to maintain and improve public access facilities and dredge the harbor. The Michigan City Exchange Club operates a food stand at the show and puts its profits toward community service projects.

Michigan City's real strength is its citizens, according to Schultz. He offers as an example:

"When we get bad weather and the harbor starts to surge, people from the Charter Boat Association, the Power Squadrons, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and many other organizations come down and help ‘baby sit’ the exhibitor's boats and booths. In 2006 and 2007 we were hit with terrible storms that packed winds of 100-plus miles-per-hour. There was considerable dock and tent damage each year, but immediately after the storms, dozens of Michigan City boaters turned out to work all night and helped put everything back together and each year the show opened on time. From the mayor's office to all the city's safety forces, the way people help make the boat show succeed every year is why this show is so good.”