Text and photos by Jonathan Lee


101 boats gathered for British Columbia¡¯s premier freshwater poker run.

Describing the Harrison Lake Poker Run as simply a ¡®wonderful day on the water¡¯ would be an understatement. Now in its sixth year, this hidden gem poker run has steadily grown in recognition as being British Columbia¡¯s premier freshwater poker run. Based in the small resort town of Harrison Hot Springs, no one can deny the unforgettable impression made by the raw beauty visible from the shore. At the tip of Harrison Lake you¡¯re greeted by the majestic vista of green, tree-filled mountains that embrace all sides of the water and gradually fade from view into the horizon. Add to that the typically hot sunny weather, and you¡¯ve got all the ingredients for an incredible day of boating and fun entertainment. And regardless of whether you¡¯re staying at the venerated Harrison Hot Springs Hotel, dining at the one of the many fine, local restaurants, or out for an evening walk, you still have a fantastic view of both the boats and the undisturbed splendor of Harrison Lake. This year, 101 boats and nearly 400 people assembled for a fun-filled day of wave-breaking excitement. A bevy of performance monsters were present too, including Rick Fardig¡¯s brightly painted 28¡¯ Eliminator, which could hit a respectable 120 mph. Many in the crowd were from out of town, such as Michael McCann of Newcastle, California, who showed up with his 25¡¯ Silhouette, ¡°Hammertime¡±, and subsequently won the ¡°Furthest from Home Award.¡± Overall, there was a good mix of both visitors and locals for what would prove to be an exhilarating, face-stretching experience for friends and family alike. Repeating last year¡¯s three-day schedule, Friday night once again got things rolling with a beach party at Harry¡¯s Cabaret, where poker runners could register for the event. Saturday By Saturday morning the fleet of fibreglass rockets stretched 2,431 feet in combined length! Safety was the resounding theme at the driver¡¯s meeting. Jamie Ubell, chairman of the Harrison Lake Poker Run Society, explained the drivers¡¯ navigational options. Slower boats left 25 minutes before the faster boats. Poker runners could choose to pass the east or west side of Echo Island (visible from the starting point) as their route, which served to reduce congestion on either side. The run in its entirety provided plenty of ¡°open space,¡± with an overall length (taking the long route) of approximately 70 miles. Card stop four, located further north on the lake, was optional, as some of the smaller boats might have preferred to avoid potentially choppier waters. For those who heeded the warning, the extra card was still available at the fifth stop. As is the case with all runs that have safety in mind, boaters were reminded to wear their life jackets, as well as the ¡°water on the water and beer on the pier¡± rule. Lunch Mouths were watering in anticipation of the lunch stop arrival at Long Island Bay, which also served as the fifth card stop. Here poker runners were treated to a barbecue feast of juicy hamburgers and hotdogs, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Besides the delicious feast, the docks and shore were exploding with activity, as people swam, hung out with friends, went for short hikes in the surrounding hills, and enjoyed the live band that was rocking onboard Larry Mosimann¡¯s 33¡¯ Carver. The crowd¡¯s appreciation for the entertainment was realized during the awards banquet when Larry (a native of Chilliwack) came off with the ¡°Best Party Onboard¡± award. Banquet Even after a thrilling day whipping across the crystal blue water, the fun didn¡¯t end with the dying down of the boat¡¯s engines. A feast awaited runners at the awards banquet. The crowd was buzzing with conversation as everyone eagerly anticipated the revealing of the cards. A professional MC took stage and announced the fruits of day¡¯s activity; $5,000 was raised for the Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue, bringing the total money raised by the poker run for this cause up to more than $16,000, plus an additional $1,000 for both the Harrison and Agassiz fire department. Leading up to the revealing of the hands, a plethora of special and door prizes were bestowed upon the joyful poker runners. Among these included ten prizes of $100 throughout the evening. In all, 30-plus prizes valued from $75 to $500 were randomly presented to attendees throughout the evening. People were looking forward to seeing who won the theme prizes almost as much as the card hands. Last year they really helped spice up the run, as people donned extravagant costumes and decorated their boats, like Vern Morrow on his 28¡¯ Carver. Christened the Silver River Casino boat for the run, Vern¡¯s boat even gave off its own steam! Who knows what next year will bring¡­ Finally the moment arrived the card hands were revealed. In third place was Jim Mosey of Bremerton, Washington, with his flush, nine high. Jim went home with $500 in cash and $1,000 in prizes. Finishing second was Tracy Burt of Chilliwack, British Columbia, with her flush, queen high and six. Tracy received $750 cash and $1,250 in prizes. Squeezing just ahead for first place by a second high card was John Warner of Seattle, Washington, with a flush, queen high and jack. Congratulations go to John who went home with the 2006 Harrison Lake Poker Run title, a free trip to the 2007 Miami Boat Show, $1,000 cash, plus $900 in prizes. Sunday Those who stayed for the entire weekend were able to participate in the exciting Sunday fun run. This year, a well-thought-out challenge was put before groups of participants who had to put their collective knowledge together to solve the puzzle. Boaters met up at noon to collect the challenge package clues, which involved trivia on local history, facts, and geography. Another relaxing day was enjoyed by all, as great times were had with friends and family. Be sure to register early for your spot among next year¡¯s Harrison Lake Poker Run posse. For more information on the run visit: www.harrisonlakepokerrun.com

Russ Holm takes family and friends for a fun-filled day on the water.
It was a great day for Russ who also ended up winning the Gaffrig Monster Gauge draw!


The ¡°card stop 2 crew¡± enjoys lunch after a hard day¡¯s work.


The crew of ¡°The Rock¡± enjoyed the rush of the run.


The Kellahans (of Maple Ridge, British Columbia) were all smiles throughout the day.
Nadia (right) won $100 at the awards banquet. (Page Top) (Close Window)