This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Spring can't be too far away.

One of the sure signs is the start of the outdoor exposition season as companies and dealers begin to show off the latest in gear.

The first one of these expos is the 51st annual Utah Boat Show and Watersports Expo, which opens its four day run Thursday at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.

The show features houseboats, fishing boats, ski boats, wakeboard boats, pontoon boats and accessories. Many potential boat buyers attend because of show deals and because they can compare models and prices in a single location.

The event also features a wakeboard park for demonstrations, fly tying, dog ability demonstrations and outdoor cooking classes.

Hours are Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entry fee is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and military and free from kids 12 and under. Many boat dealers in the valley offer free or discounted tickets.

For details, log on to http://greenband.com/boat/.