PORT TOWNSEND — The inaugural Paddle for a Cure Louie’s World Kayak Poker Run, a fundraiser for Relay for Life, is planned Sunday.
The poker run will begin at 1 p.m. at the Salmon Club parking lot, next to the Northwest Maritime Center, if weather permits, organizers said.
It is a fundraiser for the Jefferson County Relay for Life organized by Louie’s World Entertainment and the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post No. 26.
“My husband, Louie, and I just started kayaking last year and we’re loving it and it’s so good for us,” said Selena Espinoza, who runs Louie’s World Entertainment with her husband, Louie Espinoza.
“I just thought this would be a new fun way to raise money for Relay for Life.”
If the weather is acceptable, registration will begin at noon in the parking lot at 431 Water St., where maps and instructions will be handed to attendees, who will then take off from the center’s boat ramp.
The cost for the event is $25 per vessel with a pilot and $10 per co-pilot.
Each of the first 25 to 30 contestants to register will receive a bag with items that are helpful for navigating the journey.
Acceptable crafts include kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboards and kinetic sculptures. Life jackets are required.
For the poker run, participants will follow their maps to collect cards from five different spots.
At each stop, a nonprofit organization will have a deck of cards for contestants to draw one card from.
When all five cards have been collected, attendees will return to the club parking lot, where the public is invited to attend an awards ceremony with music and other entertainment.
Attendees have the option of taking selfies, scenery pictures or inspiring pictures — while on the water — which are asked to be added to the group’s Facebook event page.
Ichikawa Sushi and Steakhouse donated waterproof bags for participants cell phone so they stay dry while out paddling.
The three categories’ winners will each receive an award based upon the highest amount of “likes.”
The contestant with the best poker hand will win two tickets to the Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival and an action portrait from Deja View Photography.
Other prizes include handcrafted items for local artists and crafters donated by the ladies auxiliary.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jefferson County Relay for Life program.
Espinoza said she’s hoping for 25 paddlers out for the event.
“If I get 10, I’ll be thrilled,” Espinoza said.
To register, email kayakwithselena@gmail.com or phone 360-379-3506.
