Boat club pitches annual 'poker run' weekend to Grand Island advisory board

Members of the Western New York Offshore Power Boats presented plans to the Grand Island Economic Development Advisory Board for an annual poker run and a weekend of related events that they said could bring substantial visitor traffic and charitable dollars to the island.

Mike Restitz, treasurer of the club, told the board the organization typically fields 45 boats and expected to cap registration at 50 this year; he said the event is entering its 42nd year and that prior runs have drawn participants from as far as Syracuse and Pittsburgh. "We donate 100%," Restitz said of charitable proceeds, adding the club has previously funded service dogs and donated to nonprofit boating programs.

Dave Texido, the club's poker-run coordinator, described the event format — a Friday-night registration and concert, a Saturday run of five stops with a final lunch, and a Sunday car show — and said organizers have a tentative booking with the Buffalo Launch Club as host. Texido warned that concurrent events at the same venue can reduce dock availability, and members discussed capping boat entries and arranging rafted moorings if slips are limited.

Board members pressed presenters on logistics, including parking and lodging capacity, shuttle options, and safety oversight. Restitz said the club emphasizes safety and works with marinas and local authorities; he asked the board to consider promotion and volunteer help. "We strive to be responsible," Restitz said, describing on‑water safety protocols and a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous behavior.

EDAB members noted the run could be integrated into a broader "Grand Island week" of events and offered to meet with the presenters after the public portion of the meeting to explore partnership roles, including promotional outreach, raffle-ticket sales and volunteer coordination. No formal vote or permit was taken at the meeting; presenters were asked to follow up with the board and the town on dates, docking logistics and any required approvals.

The board asked organizers to return with confirmed dates and a more detailed plan for docks, traffic and safety coordination. Next procedural steps include post‑meeting follow-up between the presenters and EDAB members and further discussion of how the event would align with town permitting and public-safety resources.