by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Motorists traveling over the Buckman Bridge Saturday could be a little distracted as they catch a glimpse of white “rooster tails” of water shooting up from behind power boats participating in the 10th Annual Police and Fire River Rally Poker Run.
More than 100 boats will idle by the Landing starting at 10 a.m. Saturday morning as the River Rally returns to Jacksonville. Participants will make stops at eight locations along the St. Johns River to pick up cards to participate in the poker run.
Some of the boats can travel at more than 100 mph and most boats will drain about $1,000 worth of fuel testing the limits of their boats, said Jill Haskell, one of the event coordinators.
“It’s a great event and it raises money for a great cause,” said Haskell. “All the organizers are volunteers, so it’s a labor of love for all of us.”
This year, the event will benefit Camp Amigo, The Children’s’ Burn Camp of North Florida.
The camp states that its mission is “to provide kids who have physical and emotional scars a place to be themselves and build a network of support that will last throughout their lives. The camp is fully funded by private donations and the campers stay free of charge.”
Camp Amigo isn’t the only benefactor of the event.
“We estimate that the event provides Jacksonville with an economic impact of about $2 million in total lodging, dining, fuel, docking and supplies,” said Haskell.
River Rally participants were welcomed to Jacksonville with a party Thursday night at the Ivy Ultra Bar.
They will leave the docks this afternoon for a fun run and lunch, at the sand bar south of the Shands Bridge.
The Landing will feature live music from Old School from 5-9 p.m., and the Boogie Freaks at 9:30 p.m. tonight.
The boats will be headed south on Saturday to participate in the poker run while traveling to Palatka and back.
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