January is

a bit early to think about boating and summer fun, but

with last weekend's unusual warmth, it seems right to

think about maritime merriment.

If you are

one of those people who would rather be boating, the 38th

annual Atlanta Boat Show is the place you want to be this

week.

Boasting

hundreds of new boats and accessories, seminars, displays

and activities, this year's Boat Show promises to kick

off the 21st century right. There will be sailing

seminars and water-skiing clinics as well as a new and

improved Kid Zone, with bumper boats, boat painting and a

rock climbing sea wall. Another highlight of this year's

show will be a 42-foot, 5,000-gallon fish tank, where

fishing lessons and exhibits will be presented several

times during the run of the show.

Among the

best things about the Atlanta Boat Show are the special

guests that drop by and make appearances. This year is no

exception. Guests will have a chance to meet Atlanta

Braves pitcher Tom Glavine Friday night. He will be at

the Correct Craft display, near the climbing wall, from

6-8 p.m. Guests will get a chance to meet two television

starlets from the 1960s Saturday. Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on

"Gilligan's Island," will be signing autographs

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while Donna Douglas, Elly Mae on

"The Beverly Hillbillies," will sign autographs

2-4 p.m.

The main

attraction of the show, though, is boats. There will be

boats of every shape, size and form at the 38th annual

Atlanta Boat Show, including 25 antique wooden boats and

the Miss Budweiser Hydroplane. A&W also will sponsor

a $50,000 cash giveaway and a boat giveaway. Guests can

register at the A&W display. Another great offer

takes place Saturday, when the first 100 children under

12 will receive free life jackets.

The 38th

annual Atlanta Boat Show will be Wednesday through Sunday

at the Georgia World Congress Center. The show is open 11

a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children

6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

For

information phone 770-951-2500.

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