Poker Runs America's editorial mandate has always been to promote the thrill of performance boating. Whether it's a fun-filled weekend poker run, a kilo run for bragging rights amongst friends or an offshore race with a world title on the line, our message has always been that performance boating is one of the most satisfying leisure-time activities you'll ever experience. It doesn't matter what size performance boat you own or how much power it has. If you like to go fast, you know what we mean.

The summer poker run season is kicking into high gear as this issue goes to press, with more than three dozen different events - no less than seven of them APRA-sanctioned - highlighting our poker run calendar through July and August! If you've never checked out a poker run before, then make this the year you do! Many of our summer events are held right in North America's heartland, within an easy drive of millions of people. You don't have to live in Key West to experience the heart-pounding thrill of offshore performance boating.

For example, our Georgian Bay Poker Run - held on the July 22 - 23 weekend - is held at the spectacular Delawana Inn, just a few hours' drive from Buffalo, Cleveland or Detroit. With great food, beautiful accommodations, spectacular scenery and the thunder of the poker run fleet, it's an event that's not to be missed. Or join us on July 29 - 30 in Montreal - among North America's most exciting cities - for the Lac St. Pierre/Montreal Poker Run. It's an easy drive from New York or Philadelphia, and the city's joie de vivre is truly addictive.

If you live in the Midwest, then why not join us right in Chicago for the Windy City Poker Run on August 5 - 6? With offshore performance power and all of the city's entertainment and dining options, you'll quickly be calling Chicago your kind of town.

Of course, if you really want to experience poker run excitement at its peak, then mark August 12 to 14 on your calendar and make your way to Kingston, Ontario for the 1000 Islands Poker Run. It's the world's largest international poker run, and the one event performance purists, boat manufacturers and engine builders alike look forward to year after year.

Performance boating truly is among the most satisfying leisure-time activities of all. If you enjoy our magazine, our website and our Performance Boat Television program, then you'll love it even more when you're right there in the thick of the excitement. Check out our event calendar on pages 92 - 93 and join the fun at a poker run near you. Whether you bring your own boat or just go to watch, you really will have the time of your life. I've always said poker runs are all about camaraderie, so come on and join the party!