Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show Remains as Unique as Its History
By Josh Lantz The Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show has been synonymous with Indianapolis’ Renfro family for the past 48 years, but the event’s unique history goes back even further. An Indianapolis businessman named Melvin Ross began the Boat, Sport and Travel Show in 1953, and operated the event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for 10 years prior to one of the state of Indiana’s worst recorded tragedies. On October 1 of 1963, a leaking propane tank used to heat the popcorn machines in the then-called Indiana Coliseum exploded during an evening performance of one of Mr. Ross’s popular Ice Capades shows. The explosion killed 74 and injured 400 more. It was a dark day in Indiana history, and an otherwise successful man, Mr. Ross, was devastated. Enter Harry Renfro. Renfro had been selling booth space for Mr. Ross when the tragedy at the Coliseum occurred. When…
Read More >
Expanded Quiet Sports Area returns to Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show
The quiet sports. You may not be familiar with the phrase, but you have certainly seen and perhaps even participated in one or more of the low-impact, human-powered outdoor activities the phrase describes. From mountain biking and climbing, to fly fishing and kayaking, many of the so-called quiet sports are among the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities. In fact, for an increasing number of serious outdoor enthusiasts, one or more of the quiet sports have become more than just a hobby. They have become a lifestyle. Of course, the market has responded with an outpouring of high-quality equipment and services in support of these pursuits. As a result, Renfro Productions and Management is committing more floor space than ever to the quiet sports at the upcoming Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Feb. 18-27. Indeed, an entire building will be transformed into the Quiet…
Read More >
Largest outdoor show of its kind and associated expos return to Indiana State Fairgrounds in February
All manner of outdoor enthusiasts from Indiana and across the Midwest look forward to February. While outdoor recreational opportunities may be scarce at this time of year, a different source of excitement fuels their passions. When the first hints of winter’s end begin to appear, the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show; Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo; and Indiana Motorcycle Expo open their doors to hundreds of thousands of eager show-goers – most of whom are severely infected with cabin fever. The timing is perfect. The tradition continues February 18-27, 2011, when Indiana-based Renfro Productions and Management will host the Ford 57th Annual Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Once again, the Indiana Deer, Turkey and waterfowl Expo will anchor the opening weekend of the show, February 18-20, while the Indiana Motorcycle Expo will take place during the closing weekend of the show,…
Read More >
