Yellowknife (May 07/03) - Yellowknife residents seemed anxious for the ice on the lakes to melt as they headed to Force One's 2003 Boat Show over the weekend.

Despite the snow that was Mother Nature's reminder that winter wasn't quite over, about 2,500 people took in powerboats, motorcycles, ATVs, gadgets, tools and water-wear assembled at the Yellowknife Community Arena.

This was the eighth boat show organized by Force One owner Doug Witty.

"We did have a bit less people show up compared to last year but it was still successful," said Witty. "We sold a few boats and motorcycles and ATVs.

But it's not how much you sell at the show that matters. You get a lot of people who come by and check it out, and then drop at the store a few weeks later and buy because of what they saw at the show."

For those who did drop by, it was worth it.

Ed Makarenko, from Creston, B.C. was in town visiting his new grandson, and was glad to drop by.

He was checking one boat with his two sons and pondering whether to bring home a souvenir.

As for kids, and there were many, they had fun as they were allowed to hop on the vehicles on display.

Force One first started showing off its wares at the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show but Witty said that became too small for them.

"We took part in the Trade Show when they needed people to fill space and we had a large display.

However, we were taking up about 13 stalls and that's when we decided to go on our own," Witty recalled.

He also said he's able to show off his boats better on his own.

"It was just a natural evolution. Major cities have boat shows at the beginning of the season so why shouldn't Yellowknife?" he asked.

Now, Witty is getting his store back in order, but it won't be long before he is organizing next year's show.

Spring trade show

For those who want to sample wares of even more Yellowknife businesses, the Chamber's Spring Trade Show is Saturday and Sunday at the Yellowknife Community Arena.