KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Tall ships, fishing vessels, workboats and pleasure craft have plied Key West waters since merchants and seafarers first settled the island. Now through Sunday, Feb. 28, modern-day boating aficionados can continue that seafaring tradition at the Rotary Club of Key West’s eighth annual Boat Show & Nautical Market.

The free family-friendly show takes place along the island city’s Truman Waterfront from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. At the quarter-mile-long nautical market, attendees will find a large selection of new and used boats from leading Florida Keys boat dealers as well as quality marine equipment, rods and reels, arts and crafts, and even nautical clothing.

Other scheduled attractions include live music, food and ice-cold beverages.

Kids in attendance can take part in the “Fish Florida” program that provides free rods, reels and tackle boxes. They receive their gear after participating in an educational program, set for approximately 10:30 a.m. each day, that focuses on responsible angling, bait and tackle, knot tying, equipment and casting.

Proceeds from the boat show benefit the Rotary Club of Key West’s scholarship fund.

The show grounds lie at the waterfront end of Southard Street past Thomas Street, with on-site parking available.

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For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or explore this Web site.