With an 86-boat mix of high-performance catamarans, V-bottom sportboats and center consoles still rolling into Oshkosh, Wis., the 10th annual Four Horsemen Poker Run is already off to a strong start. The fleet for tomorrow’s multi-stop event on Lake Winnebago is the largest in the event’s history.

Pulling double duty as a commemorative decoration and a Fireball whiskey dispenser, this ice sculpture is one of the many delights at tonight’s Four Horsemen Poker Run opening celebration (click image to enlarge). Photos courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix. Ryan Johnson/Speedonthewater.com.

“I am very happy and things are going very, very well,” said Shannon Radtke, the event’s longtime organizer. “The local TV news came and did a big story on us. We’re pumped.”

The party—literally and figuratively—starts tonight with a bash at the Dockside Tavern, which is next door to Sweetwater Performance Center and is an integral part of the host venue. The full-service marina is owned by Jason Lindemann, the Four Horsemen event’s primary backer, who works closely with Radtke.

In years past, the Four Horsemen’s major celebration happened Saturday evening after the poker, run though Friday night’s welcome bash didn’t lack for energy or enthusiasm. But this year, Radtke decided to change things up. So tonight’s party will be the higher-spirited of the two happenings and a Fireball whiskey-fueled ice sculpture commemorating the event’s 10th anniversary should help assure that.

Saturday evening’s party which include playing the poker hands, will be a slightly lower-key affair. At least that’s the plan.

An array of high-performance powerboat hardware is in town for this weekend’s event in Oshkosh.

For the first time in several years, Mercury Racing has returned as a sponsor for the event. As it happens, for the next two days Lake Winnebago also will host the massive Walleye Weekend fishing tournament—and that Mercury Marine is one of that event’s primary backers. So two Mercury-backed happenings will share the waterway in perfect harmony.

Speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden is on scene to capture all of tomorrow’s action on the water. Joining him is Ryan Johnson, speedonthwater.com’s national sales manager, who is in town with his lovely longtime partner Merit Raff. Look for a photo gallery from tomorrow’s poker run on speedonthewater.com.

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