Speedboat enthusiasts will see nearly 40 high-powered, expensive machines on local waterways in and near Sault Ste. Marie this weekend.
Tourism officials say they have almost double the amount of participants this year for the 2nd annual "Poker Run.” And they say that is great for the economy.
"Each boat comes with two, to three, to sometimes five people. For example today a number of the boaters came early and they're all on the Agawa Canyon tour train today. So it's getting that spinoff effect. We got hotel room nights that they're staying, people coming in from the region to come and watch the event." said Ian McMillan of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie.
Fans lined the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the speed boats a year ago, many of them even paid $100 for a ride. Because of that, almost 8-thousand dollars was raised for an important local charity.
"It allowed us to continue to keep our doors open frankly, and allowed us to continue to provide our programs. Our traditional one to one match, we figure roughly $1200 a year per match and we have 76 matches currently." Said Rebecca Bolton of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie.
Boat owners say the scenery along the route from the Sault to Thessalon is the reason more people are bringing their expensive speed machines to the area this year.
Organizers say they have a special treat in store.
"This year, we have "My Way" which works with two helicopter turbines and a world record holder a number of years ago at 227 miles per hour." said Pierre Savoie of Poker Run America.
Local tourism officials are hoping to turn the poker run into a successful long running event, and with boat owners excited about the Sault and the route, Ian McMillan of tourism Sault Ste. Marie says the goal is to attract 100 boats in the coming years.
