In just a few days, the Boyne City Marina docks will be at capacity for the 13th annual poker run. Photo courtesy Boyne Thuner Poker Run

Although the summer fun started ramping up with last weekend’s Fourth of July festivities in Boyne City, Mich., according to Bob Mathers, who owns Bob Mathers Ford and is a major supporter of the annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run, the real fun is just getting started.

“We’ve got people in town already—this used to be two-day event and now people plan their vacations around it,” Mathers said earlier today. “The event starts with the Thursday evening reception at the Boyne Mountain Resort and rolls right into the Friday afternoon kids boat rides at Boyne City Marina followed by the street festival, dinner at the marina and more.”

Currently there’s a chance of rain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, but as I can attest from participating in the run two years ago, the fun will not stop because of the weather. Speedonthewater.com’s Pete Boden and Ryan Johnson will be in town this year covering the event so stay tuned for more coverage from the 13th annual poker run that raises money for two local charities—Camp Quality, which provides outdoor experiences for young cancer patients and their families, and Challenge Mountain, which provides outdoor experiences for physically and mentally challenged youth.

Organizers expect another solid turnout for Friday’s street party in Boyne City, Mich. Photo by Jason Johnson/Speedonthewater.com

“The street party on Friday is going to be great as usual, and the stereo wars at 8:30 p.m. in the marina should be a highlight,” said Mathers, who is going to once again lead the Saturday morning parade lap to start the poker in his 38-foot Powerquest. “The returning stereo wars champion lost an engine so he won’t be participating, but I’ve heard from severeal owners who have their systems ready so it should be pretty competitive this year.

“As for the street party, we’ve got an amazing group of boats and tow rigs lined up,” he continued. “I think we’re going to have eight or nine Fountain Powerboats together—we’re calling it ‘Fountain Friday’—and I know Tom Borisch has an antique raceboat (the Miss Diablo III Switzer Wing) to show off and there will be a real cool model from Van Dam Custom Boats on display. We’re excited to have The Deconliner coming, too, which is a custom motorhome built by Randy Grubb. That’s going to get a lot of attention.”

Mathers, who plans to have a new 2017 aluminum-body Ford Super Duty truck on display as well, said his favorite part of the event is probably Saturday morning’s parade laps because spectators line the shores of Veterans Park on the beautiful Lake Charlevoix to get a glimpse of the boats before they head out on the poker run.

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