Lake of the Ozarks
Harbor Hop 2010
Most of us have heard of a poker run, an event in which a group of motorcyclists ride from one location to another, gathering cards to see if they will end up with the best poker hand. What does this have to do with a Harbor Hop?
The spring Lake of the Ozarks 2010 Harbor Hop, set for May 1, is a poker run too, but the participants travel by boat to various stops. Prizes are awarded for the top 10 hands and four “lucky” individuals get a prize for having one of the worst hands. Organizers also give out a percentage of the revenue in a random drawing for 10 additional hands.
Check points on the lake are set up in sections, and a bonus prize will be awarded to the individual who collects his or her winning cards in a single section. Checkpoint sections include: Gravois Arm (Section 1); Dam – Main Channel, 10 mm (Section II); 13 mm – 24 mm, Main Channel (Section III); 28.5 mm – 47 mm, Main Channel and Big Niangua Arm (Section IV). Stops include a range of pubs, bar & grill spots and marinas.
Participants may enter the annual Harbor Hop by stopping at any of the checkpoints. Detailed lists are available. Players can, of course, enter by buying a chance at more than one hand. Each participant gets his or her first card at the initial checkpoint. They must then proceed to six more checkpoints to complete a seven-card hand. Hands are turned in by 7 p.m. Funds are split between the winners and the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The 2010 Harbor Hop will be the 13th consecutive event for Lake of the Ozarks boaters. In 2009 the lake poker run attracted about 2,000 participants who not only competed for the best poker hand but also brought a lot of welcome business to dozens of bars, restaurants and marinas located along the shoreline. This spring event is now viewed as the official kick-off for a summer of boating and Lake of the Ozarks enjoyment.
The fall Harbor Hop in October attracts late-season boat enthusiasts who want to signal the end of the season in an enjoyable way. The fall event has been held for more than 20 years. Many participants dress up Halloween style for this annual activity.
