Poker Run highlights Emerald Coast Boat Week

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL - Boat Week is a weeklong celebration of boating, with the highlight event being the Emerald Coast Poker Run.

The activities are designed for participation and enjoyment of locals as well as of area visitors, according to the event’s official Web site: emeraldcoastpokerrun.com. Call 850-243-3800 for questions.

This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 12-16. Activities for the week include:

• Wednesday, Aug. 12 - Boat Week Ladies Night Party starts at 8 p.m. at Helen Back Café on Okaloosa Island.
• Thursday, Aug. 13 - Miss Boat Week Bikini Contest with Z96 starts at 8 p.m. at Fudpucker’s in Destin. There will be an auction for judges before the contest.
• Friday, Aug. 14 - 10 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Skippers Safety Meetings at Ramada Plaza Beach Resort on Okaloosa Island; 5 p.m., Captain’s Reception at A.J.’s. in Destin; 7 p.m. boat-in family movie at the Shalimar Yacht Basin, with movie starting at 8.
• Saturday, Aug. 15 - 8 a.m. Skippers Safety Meeting at Ramada Plaza Beach Resort; 10 a.m., 17th annual Emerald Coast Poker Run, all stops open; 5 p.m., Emerald Coast Poker Run, all stops close; 6:30 p.m., Poker Run Party at Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island.

To register for the Poker Run, contact Florida Powerboat Club at 954-580-2582. Web site: flpowerboat.com.

Chris Sehman, president of the Emerald Coast Foundation and owner of Helen Back, said the Emerald Coast Blues Brothers will perform at the party.

“They’re very popular, so that’s a pretty big deal,” he said.

• Sunday, Aug. 16 - Raft up at Crab Island noon-3 p.m. with Goldring Gulf and 99ROCK; 5 p.m. Boat Week Extreme Jet Ski, Wakeboard and Ski Show at Scully’s on Cinco Bayou.

Sehman said the ski show was changed on the schedule to accommodate more people attending while still in their boats.

The Emerald Coast Poker Run is the Emerald Coast Foundation’s flagship event and primary fundraiser. More than $1 million dollars has been raised for local children’s charities and youth organizations.

The Emerald Coast Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.