I did all three shows last week--the Boat Show twice, the Chicago Muskie Show at Harper College in Palatine on its opening day Friday and the All-Canada Show is at Pheasant Run in St. Charles afterward.

Click here Sunday's column in the Sun-Times about it Click here for a more extensive look at the Boat Show in the Post-Tribune.

At the Boat Show, as always, touring the boats and RVs was the biggest draw. That's why there is a Boat Show. Three newer things were the family hits: Evolution of Boat Building: Seven Decades of Innovation, which Gage Marine puts on,; The World of Scuba put on by Scuba Emporium; and Rockin', Rollin' Bubbles.

Because the instructors were working with another group with some special care, my daughter (above) was allowed to try the scuba pool for half an hour. The idea was pretty successful: she came out and while toweling off asked if she could have lessons.

I like the idea.

And anybody who saw the Rockin', Rollin' Bubbles knows what a hit they were. Worth every bit of the half hour wait we had.

The Harper College pool, always, sets apart the Muskie Show. It is just a tightly focused show. It is something to see SRO seminars.

In its own way, the All-Canada Show is just as tightly focused.

THIS WEEK

In the lull between the two busiest weeks is Bedford Sales Open House Friday through Sunday in Morris. David Dudley and Jim Saric headline. Forrest L. Wood appears on Saturday.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Jan. 23-27: Chicago Outdoor Sports Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

Jan. 23-27: Chicagoland Gun Show, co-located with the Chicago Outdoor Sport Show

Jan. 24-27: Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, Schaumburg Convention Center

Jan. 24-27: Strictly Sail Chicago, Navy Pier

Jan. 25-27: Illinois Fish & Feather Expo, Interstate Center, Bloomington

Jan. 26-27: Hammond Outdoor Sports Show, Jean Shepherd Community Center, Hammond, Ind.

Feb. 1-3: Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Expo, Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield

Feb. 1-3: Great Outdoor Expo, Timber Creek Convention Center, Sandwich

Feb. 8-10: Rockford Boat, Vacation and Fishing Show, Indoor Sports Center

Feb. 9-10: Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show, Tinley Park High School

Feb. 10: Henry Decoy Show, Henry-Senachwine High School

Feb. 13-17: Chicago RV & Camping Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

Feb. 15-17: Our World-Underwater, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

Feb. 15-17: Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis

Feb. 15-24: Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Indiana State Fairgrounds,

Feb. 22-24: Lake Home & Cabin Show, Schaumburg Convention Center

Feb. 23: Chicago Maritime Festival, Chicago History Museum

Feb. 23-24: Great Outdoors Expo, Woodstock North High School, Woodstock

[ADD] March 2: Illinois Smallmouth Alliance's Bronzeback Blowout, Elmhurst American Legion

March 2: Salmon Unlimited Swap Meet, River Park Moose Lodge, River Grove

March 2-3: Elmwood All Outdoors Show, Elmwood High School and Grade School

March 6-10: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, Wisconsin Exposition Center, West Allis, Wis.

March 8-10: Canoecopia, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.

March 9: Indoor Fishing Flea Market (Chicago Muskie Hunters), Rolling Meadows High School (ADD)

March 22-24: Rockford RV, Camping & Travel Show, Indoor Sports Center