Department of Tourism
Speed Boats to Raise Waves at Lake Cumberland

  More than 125 speed boats are expected to thunder through Lake Cumberland Sept. 8-10 as the Poker Run returns to the south-central Kentucky lake’s State Dock for the third year.

 The race attracts thousands of spectators drawn to the spectacle of the colorful and powerful boats zipping through the 110-mile course that takes them to five stops around the lake.

 The boats’ skippers pick up sealed envelopes with playing cards inside at each of the five stops. At the end of the Poker Run, the envelopes are opened and the best four poker hands are rewarded with total prizes of more than $7,000.

 It's best to visit State Dock on Friday or Saturday to view the speed boats, which create an awesome display of fiberglass, chrome and raw horsepower.

Some 40 luxurious houseboats also line the dock’s Houseboat Row, with owners and guests joining in the festive atmosphere of the event. A concert by the Redneck Rockstars will provide entertainment Saturday night.

 American Powerboat Television will be filming a one-half hour show at the Lake Cumberland Poker Run. This is the first time they have originated an entire episode from one venue.  The show will provide national exposure for Lake Cumberland and will air at least three times on the Water Channel.

 An added feature will be a Trick Truck/Tow Vehicle Shootout competition. Many of the powerboats are pulled by tricked-out trucks that will be parked on the ramp at State Dock.

 Several national boating magazines will also be on hand providing national coverage of the event.

State Dock has purchased Mid-America Boating Association, past organizer of the Lake Cumberland run.

Lake Cumberland is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, with more than 100 miles in length and 1,200 miles of shoreline.

For more information on the poker run or to find an entry form, please go to the new poker run website at www.lakecumberlandpokerrun.net or give State Dock a call at 888-782-8336.
 
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