The biggest performance boat event in the western hemisphere, the Desert Storm Poker Run will take place April 27-30 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and will feature some of the premier go-fast boats in the country.
What started as a small event on Lake Havasu has turned into a weeklong festival. Tuesday kicks off everything with a meet and greet with the boats and owners at the Pirate Cove Resort in Park Moab, California.
On Wednesday, one of the most important activities of the week is Kruisin’ 4 Kids. Sponsored by Teague Custom Marine and event promoter LakeRacer LLC, Kruisin’ 4 Kids gives rides to underprivileged and special-needs kids. The boats will be based at the London Bridge Resort. Last year more than 150 children got rides and more than $50,000 has been raised for charities. On Wednesday night this year, the Desert Storm open house will feature a silent and live auction hosted by West Coast Drives. Proceeds will go to the charity.
On Thursday night, the Downtown Havasu District Street Party has become one of the most important marketing events of the year for performance boat manufacturers. In 2015 there were more than 7,000 lineal feet of displays, boats, vendors and trucks. The presenting sponsor is Shugure’s Family of Fine Restaurants.
On Friday, the 16th annual Desert Storm Poker Run will take place with about 100 of the hottest performance boats taking to the waters of Lake Havasu. This year’s event is sponsored by Spectre Powerboats. The day starts with the Parade of Power when the boats idle through the channel and pass under the famous London Bridge on their way to the poker run. The parade will be broadcast on KTNR radio.
The fun doesn’t end with the poker run. On Saturday morning, Dave’s Custom Boats, which builds some of the fastest performance boats in the world, will sponsor the DCB Shootout to crown the 2016 King of the Desert. The current top speed is 182 mph, and as of mid-April, there were 32 boats entered to try to break that mark. For a full schedule and more detailed information, go to www.lakeracer.com.
