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NEWS FLASH!!
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Powerboat Magazine Voted
1000 Islands Poker Run
the #1 of North
America's Top Ten Poker Runs!
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When we
announced the name of our first-ever Poker Run World Champion
during February's Miami International Boat Show, we had no
idea that we were next in line.
For Poker Runs America, it was a very glorious moment when we
learned that one of the nation's leading performance boating
magazines voted our 1000 Islands APRA-sanctioned event the No.
1 Poker Run on the entire continent!
 The
colorful, six-page feature by managing editor Gregg Mansfield
appeared in Powerboat's April, 2004 issue, explaining that the
final choices were based on venues, reputations and what made
the poker runs special.
We accept the victory graciously, more so considering the
incredible number of fine events held annually from coast to
coast. The mere thought of narrowing the selection to ten of
what Powerboat called "the hottest poker runs happening this
summer in North America" would have our editorial panel
reaching for the nearest bottle of Excedrin.
For us, this accolade is especially meaningful, given that the
1000 Islands Poker Run is the grand-daddy of them all - widely
recognized as the world's largest international poker run,
spanning two great countries.
Making its debut in 1985, the 1000 Islands Poker Run was the
forerunner of a phenomenon that has become one of today's most
popular family-oriented recreational boating activities.
Founded by Bill Taylor, publisher of Poker Runs America (and
its sister publication, Power Boating Canada), this annual
August weekend gala draws some of the continent's most exotic
Lamborghinis and Maseratis on the water.
North America's No. 1 poker run also attracts nearly 60,000
spectators who line the shores along the 120-mile pre-charted
course, eager to get a close-up look at our waterborne
gladiators in action.
The incredible crowd turnout at every one of our official
playing card stops and, of course, the host town or city
designated as poker run headquarters, certainly enhances the
popularity of the 1000 Islands Poker Run. It is indicative,
too, of the regionally prominent economic contributions made
by this poker run, and others of the same caliber.
(In February, Bill Taylor received the President's Award from
the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce in Ontario. The
prestigious award honored his dedication and commitment - and
subsequent accomplishments - to the economic growth and
development of one of North America's prime boating
destinations).
"Major events such as the 1000 Islands Poker Run have proven
to be a vital ingredient in promoting tourism," said Taylor.
"Poker runs - combined with the exposure we provide through
the magazine - enhance public awareness of a specific region.
More importantly, they also help generate millions of dollars
into local businesses whose annual profit pictures relies
heavily on the money tourists spend.
"Our APRA-sanctioned events - as with many other poker runs -
have also raised significant funds for community-based
charities."
It goes without saying that we felt privileged and proud when
we read the following printed words: "From the scenery to the
hardware, the Poker Runs America production outranks them
all."
But the kudos we extend to Powerboat magazine are based on
something far more important than ranking our 1000 Islands
Poker Run the No. 1 such event.
As the article points out, Powerboat's Top Ten list was
primarily created to swell the ranks of poker run participants
everywhere by making them fully aware of the best examples of
the fun on the water they may have been missing out on. That
is highly commendable.
Then again, we would never dispute Powerboat's ultimate
decision.
-Peter Tasler, Editor
Call the Poker Run Hotline today!
1-800-354-9145.
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