The Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association (SMLBA) raised the performance bar on the weekend of May 20 and 21, 2011 with its annual Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run, set in the scenic community of Smith Mountain Lake.

In its 14th year, the event attracted more than 60 boats from 10 states and was held the weekend prior to Memorial Day, which is safe boating week and afforded local poker runners to inspect and update their equipment before the start of the performance boating season.

Known locally, as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake offers approximately 500 miles of scenic shoreline with several services and boating amenities never too far away, offering the perfect setting for this annual performance extravaganza.

The festivities began Friday evening at the local hot spot, Mangos Bar and Grill for dinner and drinks during the captain’s registration. In true poker run form, entertainment was another highlight of the evening with live music provided two bands. Three special guests were also in attendance, Miss Virginia, Miss Blue Ridge, and Miss Smith Mountain Lake.

But the real excitement began on Saturday, the day of the poker run, held at the scenic Mariners Landing Resort in Huddleston, VA, at 11:30 a.m. with a captain’s meeting.

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