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| Family Fun Poker Run a Big Success |
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For Immediate Release -8/21/09
The Portland-area Clean Marinas celebrated National Marina Day with a boating oriented, family fun poker run. After months of planning and high hopes for a good turn-out, 43 people in 11 boats joined the fun.
As with any outdoor event you never know what the weather will do, especially in Portland, but to the delight of everyone, the weather was perfect. An overcast morning set the stage for breakfast with coffee and snacks along with time to mingle with the event organizers and the Fort Vancouver Sail and Power Squadron who hosted the breakfast. Thanks to the Portland area’s Boat US Foundation Vessel Assist boat, all of the participating boaters were given a free boater tote bag filled with lots of goodies and Marine Board publications.
After receiving last minute instructions participants were let loose to explore the waters around Hayden Island. Plenty of time was allocated for all to complete the course in a leisurely pace. Around mid-day, the sun came out providing perfect weather for a relaxing boat ride. An additional perk included discounted rates at the Jantzen Bay Marina fuel dock for participants.
Boaters were given free moorage slips at the Columbia Crossings Tomahawk Bay marina after completing the course to enjoy the evening’s prize ceremony and the dinner BBQ. Participants were not allowed to open sealed envelopes containing their playing cards until they checked back in at the poker run headquarters. To most boaters’ surprise, several high scoring hands were dealt that were hard to beat! Two full houses and a flush made up the top three scores. A majority of lucky boaters received prizes ranging from a hand-held VHF marine transceiver, several inflatable life jackets, and other nautical instruments, to local business and restaurant gift certificates.
A very special “thank you” to the event sponsors: Boat U.S. Foundation, National Safe Boating Council, West Marine, Hayden Island Canvas, Sexton Chandlery, Hidden Bay Café and the Beaches Restaurant. Of course the event would not have been possible if not for the efforts by the Clean Marinas: Tomahawk Bay, Jantzen Bay, McCuddy’s Marine Drive and Island marinas, Pier 99, The Waterside, Portland Yacht Club and the Rose City Yacht Club. Other important partners were the Fort Vancouver Sail and Power Squadron, Freshwater News, Portland/Vancouver Vessel Assist, Portland Sea Scouts and the Oregon Marine Board.
The event planners are already talking about making this an annual event, so stay tuned for information in Freshwater News.
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