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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!
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 |
More about
"1000 Islands Poker Run":
* 1000
Islands Poker Run - A New Wave for 2004
* 1000
Islands Poker Run Moves to Kingston, Ontario
For any questions, please call Poker Run Hot Line:
1-800-354-9145
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