The Erie Poker Run Debuts Saturday

The first-ever Erie Poker Run is coming to town on Saturday, bringing with it 50 go-fast powerboats, including two brand new boats. Viewing locations will be open to the public along the event course, giving spectators several opportunities to see the unique watercraft.

Two new powerboats will participate in the event, each having made their respective debuts at the Miami International Boat Show in February. Vincent Diorio will bring his Outerlimits SL 41 V-Bottom powerboat to the event from Richfield, Wisconsin. The boat, a bright orange and green color, features a 1,400 horsepower engine. Double-R Performance of Toronto will bring its new 390 center console Nor-Tech boat, which is powered by quad Mercury Racing Verado 400 engines.

Several Erie-based viewing locations will be open to the public to view the boats on Saturday, starting with the Sheraton Bayfront Hotel/Wolverine Marina at 10 a.m. The boats will proceed to Lampe Marina at 10:15, before the official start of the event at 10:30 a.m.

The boats will make four stops on the Poker Run, the first of which is at Barcelona Harbor in Westfield, N.Y. at 10:45, followed by Dunkirk Harbor in Dunkirk, N.Y. at 11 a.m., Sunset Bay in Irving, N.Y. at 2:15, and Rum Runners in Erie at 3:30 p.m. The boats will return to Wolverine Marina and be on display until 8 p.m.

The boats will also be on display on Friday, June 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Wolverine Marina.

Real-time race updates, including weather information at each stop, will be available on Twitter through @eriepokerrun. For more information about the Erie Poker Run, visit www.elitepokerruns.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.