Borden Light Marina Charity Poker Run returns to Fall River. What you need to know.
FALL RIVER — Time to get revved up.
Powerboats are making their way back to the Fall River waterfront with the return of the Borden Light Marina Charity Poker Run.
Over 60 powerboats will launch from the waters of Mount Hope Bay this weekend for the fundraising event organized by Mike and Nicole Lund, owners of the Borden Light Marina, as well as Tipsy Seagull and Pier 52 restaurants.
And even if you're not a boater, there are still plenty of ways to get in on the fun.
"We've created this little village down at Borden Light Marina for the event, where the public can participate and hang out for the day," Nicole Lund said.
When and where is the Poker Run
Festivities get underway Friday with special VIP events for participating crews, but the main event is Saturday, Aug. 3, with the race and a slate of activities for the public at the marina.
Powerboats leave the dock at the Tipsy Seagull, 1 Ferry St., and take off under the Braga Bridge at 12:30 p.m.
The Poker Run participants will hit four stops along their route — East Providence Yacht Club, Greenwich Cove Marina, in East Greenwich, R.I., West Wind Marina in Newport, R.I., Thames Street public dock in Bristol, R.I. — before circling back to the Tipsy Seagull.
The first place Poker Run finisher will be awarded $3,500, second place gets $1,000, and participants will also be vying for the titles of Best Looking Boat and Best Looking Crew.
'The biggest event we've had': 2023 poker run at Fall River's Borden Light Marina raises $62K for charities
How it started and how it's going
Now in its 18th year, the Borden Light Marina Charity Poker Run started as a small get-together of a few boats at the former Regatta in Fall River. It has steadily gained momentum over the years to earn its place as a highly anticipated summer tradition along the Fall River waterfront.
The Poker Run now draws a wide field of participants from near and far - Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey. The Lunds are expecting around 65 boats of all types for this year's run.
"A lot of people assume they have to be one of these big boats, fast boats that do 170. We get a lot of center consoles that go 55-60 mph," Lund said.
The crowd of spectators and locals looking to get in on the action also grows each year as the Lunds expand public participation — and fundraising opportunities — at the marina.
What to expect on race day
On Saturday, Fun 107 will be on site DJing live from the Borden Light Marina.
Tipsy Seagull is open to the public starting at 10 a.m., so folks can come to the docks, check out the boats, try their hand at some raffles, and Empire Auto Group, one of the Poker's Run's major sponsors, will have brand-new trucks on site for guests to see.
Starting at 9 a.m., the popular dunk tank, which raised $1,500 within three hours last year, will make its return as well with some familiar faces taking the plunge.
Special guests making a splash in the dunk tank this year include state Rep. Carole Fiola, Rick Torres, owner of Empire Auto Group, and Fun 107 radio host Gazelle.
"Everyone on site is in such a good mood," Lund said.
"We've got some politicians involved this year... so that's fun. It gets the city more involved, the public more involved and we look forward to hosting a fun, safe event that raises money for charity."
Lund noted that Dockside Cafe will be open early the morning of the race. There will also be live music at both Pier 52 and The Tipsy Seagull.
A lot of people hang out at Pier 52 and Tipsy to catch the race, many boats anchor along Taunton River, and the City Pier is also a good spot to watch the boats take off under the Braga.
All for charity
This year, proceeds from Borden Light Marina's Poker Run will benefit Make a Wish Mass and Rhode Island and the Greg Hill Foundation, the latter of which was founded in 2010 by longtime radio personality and WEEI host Greg Hill, who will be at the Fall River event broadcasting live from the Tipsy Seagull on Friday at 6 a.m.
According to its website, the Greg Hill Foundation "responds to immediate requests for assistance, to improve the lives of local families touched by tragedy, through matching the charitable donation of Greg’s media audience."
In 2024 the Borden Light Marina Charity Poker Run was able to raise and donate $62,000 to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and The Tunnel to Towers Foundation. As always, Lund said their goal is to top that total this time around.
"We're hoping to break $70,000 this year," Lund said.
More information
Registration for captain and crew is underway and is currently $675. After July 31, registration is $750. Brunch and dinner is included.
For a complete schedule of events or to register for this year's Poker Run, visit the event page on Tipsy Seagull's website at https://www.thetipsyseagull.com/poker-run.
According to Lund, sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested can visit the website for more information.
Sponsor perks include VIP viewing of Poker Run takeoff at the Tipsy Seagull, as well as invites to a VIP Captain's cocktail reception on Friday and dinner at Pier 52 on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River's 2024 Borden Light Marina Charity Poker Run on Aug. 3