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 Saturday: Free Pancake Brunch, All Boaters Invited! 
10 AM to 1 PM.
Sunday: Enjoy a Holiday Luncheon
1 PM to 3 PM!
Be sure to attend Pier 33's 2013 Spring Open House!
This year's event will be more fun than ever, with a unique line-up of guest speakers, contests, games and great food - plus outstanding buys on all new boats in stock and arriving from Chaparral, Pursuit and Scout and a great season-opening selection of pre-owned boats of all sizes.
Open House Hours: Saturday March 16, 9 AM to 5 PM; Sunday March 17, Noon to 5 PM.
Don't miss out on the fun. Renew summer friendships and get together with your very best boating friends to plan for the upcoming season. Meet with the Pier 33 staff to take advantage of on-site service specials and coordinate your upcoming spring launch.
- Free refreshments throughout the day, both days.
- Special presentations by Guest Speakers, including State Rep. Al Pscholka with a legislative update on lake levels, dredging, harbor management and more.
- New boat specials from Chaparral, Scout & Pursuit.
- Dock, service and storage specials.
- Special boat show financing rates for new & used boats.
- Pre-owned boats on display inside our showroom.
- Game Day on Sunday - Greg's Price is Great, 1PM; Boating Knowledge & Nautical Trivia, 2 PM and more!
Scheduled - Guest Speakers & Presentations
All presentations are open to the public and will be held at Pier 33's showroom. There is no cost to attend and no advance registration is required.
Lake Michigan News & Important Issues
Michigan Waterways Caucus - Legislative Update. Saturday, Noon.
State Representative Al Pscholka, 79th.
Rep. Pscholka will be on hand at Noon at Saturday to provide our local boating community with a key update from Lansing. As Co-chair of the bipartisan Waterways Caucus, Rep. Pscholka is at the forefront of legislative efforts to find near and long-term solutions to issues impacting recreational boating and commercial shipping in Michigan. Get the latest updates on all initiatives - and voice your support or concerns - during this important meeting.
Lake Levels and You. Saturday, 1 PM.
Kim Fish, Assistant Division Chief
Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Immediately following our legislative update will be a presentation chock-full of important information regarding current lake level conditions on the Great Lakes and what to expect this season and in years to come. What factors are causing or contributing to our record-low current level on Lake Michigan? What do these changes mean for Michigan boaters and boating facilities? With a wealth of local knowledge regarding our harbor and conditions affecting the entire region, Kim Fish' expertise & insights will be of true value to boaters from throughout Michigan.
Asian Carp in the Great Lakes. Saturday, 2 PM.
Cameron Turner
Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative
Cameron Turner will discuss the science and the important role that boaters play in managing our incredible Great Lakes ecosystem. This highly informative presentation will take you thru the history of how the Asian Carp has arrived at Lake Michigan's doorstep - and what impacts we may see in the years to come. Cameron is a researcher working with the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative who studies Asian carp and other invasive or rare species using environmental DNA Prior to starting his doctoral research at Notre Dame, Cameron worked on salmon conservation in California as a fisheries biologist. He completed a master's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in Integrative Biology from Brigham Young University. Asian carp research at ND-ECI is exploring how eDNA monitoring can provide an early detection system to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other species that threaten the recreational and commercial fishing industries.
Safe Boating & Seamanship
Boating is Fun -- We'll Show You How. Saturday, 10 AM.
Bob Sorensen
South Bend Sail & Power Squadron
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. We are privileged to have an active unit serving our local boating community. USPS members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education and they enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. Bob Sorensen of the South Bend Sail and Power Squadron will show you how easy it is to get involved in boating - or enhance your experience by participating with the USPS. Plus, receive information on upcoming boating safety classes!
Around the Lake -- In a 17-Footer. Saturday, 10:30 AM.
Ernie Piotrowksi
South Bend Sail & Power Squadron
Yes, we all long for that true boating adventure that defies logic - or challenges our skills. Past Commander Ernie Piotrowski of the South Bend Sail & Power Squadron satisfied that longing and put his boating skills to great use, with a trip to all corners of Lake Michigan aboard his 17-foot center console. This isn't just a travelogue - you'll learn a lot about small boat handling, big Lake conditions and interesting ports of call.
Berrien County -- Boating Safely in 2013. Saturday, 11:30 AM.
Lt. Martin Kurtz, Berrien County Sheriff's Department
Marine Division
Berrien County has 58 inland lakes and three rivers of which the Sheriff's Department has primary responsibility for patrolling. The Berrien County Sherriff's Department Marine Division also shares responsibility with the U.S. Coast Guard for patrolling 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline within our county. If you boat our local lakes and rivers, you've surely seen the Marine Division's friendly, well-trained staff on patrol. Lt. Kurtz will get you ready for a summer of safe boating by providing helpful reminders on Michigan's boating rules and regulations, key enforcement points and how our area boaters can best enjoy a worry-free summer while still having plenty of fun on the water.
Vessel Safety, Homeland Security and More, Sunday, 12:30 PM.
Presented by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 and the overarching mission is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, and waterways. With activities such as safety and security patrols, search and rescue, pollution response & patrols, and recreational boating safety, the USCG Auxiliary is an important component of our local boating scene. Join in on this informative presentation to find out more about this vibrant organization, schedule your 2013 season vessel safety inspection and learn more about how to be a safe and active boater.
Interactive Knot Tying & Demonstration, Sunday 1 PM.
Chuck & Georgia McFarland
South Bend Sail & Power Squadron
Don't be embarrassed when it's time to handle a line - learn from the best. What nautical knots will keep your boat in place or secure loose gear while underway? And how do they make it look so easy? Georgia & Chuck will show you how ¿ and you'll be certain to put their lessons to use during the upcoming summer.
Sunday is GameDay
Get in on some fun and compete for prizes at Pier 33!
Greg's Price is Great, Sunday 1 PM.
How well do you know (or how well can you guess) the prices for a variety of boating accessories and services? Walk away a winner with some goodies and try to qualify for the grand prize (yes, to be announced) in Pier 33's version of a popular price-guessing game. Four quick rounds of three contestants each (or tandem-up to double-team) and then a championship guess-off. Don't go over! Register in advance (to ensure your spot): Click Here Now to register or sign-up on-site by 12:30 Sunday.
Boating Knowledge & Nautical Trivia.
Sunday, 2 PM.
Sponsored by Lakeland Boating Magazine.
Test your knowledge of Lake Michigan boating, navigation, nautical trivia, boating geography and all other topics that could possibly include a boating reference - and compete with your friends and boating neighbors for an assortment of prizes including (yes, to be announced) a very nice grand prize. Four quick rounds of three contestants each (singles, only) and then a championship round. Register in advance (to ensure your spot): Click Here Now to register or sign-up on-site by 1:30 Sunday.
How Many Minnows? Concludes Sunday 5 PM.
Final entries are due by 5 PM! Check out our mini-minnow tank and guess the number of bait fish swimming inside. This one is great for the kids and the grand prize will be ¿ just right for your younger boaters. Winner to be announced after the bait has been counted and released.
Staying in town for the whole weekend? Here are some local hotel specials:
Boulevard Inn: 269-983-6600
City view - $109
Lake view - $129
Holiday Inn Express: 269-982-0004
Suites - $129
Hampton Inn: 269-429-2700
King - $92
Double - $84
Silver Beach Hotel: 983-7341
King - $85
Double - $95
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