In February, 2001, the Association of Marina Industries’ (AMI) Board of Directors, sensing a need to burnish the marina industry’s already positive image, approved the creation of a grassroots, public education initiative called National Marina Day in the US: http://www.nationalmarinaday.org/

That summer, AMI officially proclaimed the second Saturday of August (since changed to June) as National Marina Day, and shortly afterward, a diverse committee of marina operators from across the country began planning for its first-ever observance.

Since the inaugural event, National Marina Day has continued to grow and evolve into a day of celebrating marinas and the role they play in our communities and in recreation. Monterey Boats salutes marinas everywhere.

National Marina Day promotes marinas as family-friendly gateways to boating, and recognizes their personnel, who act as stewards of the environment. Marinas throughout the country open their doors to introduce everyone to the fun and benefits of boating and the marina lifestyle. The variety of events that are held expands each year with the creativity of the marina operators who participate.

The Marina of the Year distinction is reserved for the marina that best promotes the ideals of the day.

Events can include tours, complimentary cruises, children’s activities, raffles, fundraisers, clean-up projects, environmental demonstrations, new boat and boating safety demonstrations, games, contests, fishing rodeos, food, entertainment, and speeches in support of boating and marinas by public officials.

Check here to find a participating marina near you: http://www.nationalmarinaday.org/about/participating-marinas/

2012 sponsors include Ace Roto-Mold Float Drums, BoatUS, Eaton, Marina Dock Age, TakeMeFishing.org, and ValvTect Marine Fuel. This year’s partners are Bob’s No Wake Zone Radio Show, Life on the Water, MA Marine Trades Association, Marine Industries Association of Central FL, Marine Recreation Association, Marine Retailers Association of America, MI Boating Industry Association, National Get Outdoors Day, National Safe Boating Council, States Organization for Boating Access and the US Army Corps of Engineers.