Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot will be hosting their annual Sinclair Poker Run on Saturday, July 23.
The Sinclair Poker Run is a scavenger hunt across the lake that allows families to compete for cash prizes and learn about the rich history of Lake Sinclair. Attendees are allowed to use all boats including pontoons, fishing boats, performance crafts and even jet skis to take part in this event.
“We were inspired by the Poker Runs done on the road by motorcycle clubs and such,” stated Davis Wells, president of the GOCHC Board of Trustees.
Traditionally poker runs are completed on land, however, with inspiration from sponsor Chris Justice of Justice Marina at Lake Oconee, GOCHC decided to host their first poker run on Lake Sinclair in 2019. For the past two years, the poker run has had two different courses, as feedback from attendees reported the first year’s course was too long and the second year’s course too short.
“I believe, this year, we have estimated the perfect length and done well to partner with the marinas for better locations,” said Wells.
The poker run officially starts on Saturday morning with players meeting up for registration. After registration, a ranger from the Department of Natural Resources will go over boat and lake safety. When players are ready to embark, they are each given their number of hands, a map, GEO coordinates to each location and a packet of history related to Lake Sinclair.
“We give them a history of Lake Sinclair that is a part of our goal as the heritage center to share history of the area,” said Amy Wright, executive director of Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot. “They can see other spots on the lake that are connected with the building of the dam and with the Native American culture before the dam was built.”
GOCHC actively works to restore and teach the history of Baldwin County and Milledgeville. By hosting the poker run on Lake Sinclair, they found more opportunities to share the historic value of the lake and offer families a chance to go sightseeing along their journey. The path for the poker run is always set up with other locations in mind that add historic elements to the journey.
“My favorite part of the poker run is working with everyone and seeing their excitement to learn,” said Wright. “And I love lunchtime. This year, everyone will be able to go to Goat Island and have a picnic dinner provided by Aubri Lane at the Club at Lake Sinclair that will just give that relaxing time to discuss the history, the sights and let the children play.”
While the event is about fun and community, there is a prize at the end of the lake day. In the finale of the Sinclair Poker Run, two players with the highest number of cards will be announced the winners. First place wins $1000 and second place wins $500.
“It’s all a matter of cruising around and getting to each location,” said Wells. “If they pull up to a specified marina, they will announce the number of players and so if they have four hands (players) on their boat then someone on shore will use a bamboo pole to hand them four cards. They get plenty of time to collect the cards and it’s up to each boat to plan how long it may take them to get to a destination.”
The Lake Sinclair Poker Run is open to all ages. Players can register by visiting www.thedepotga.org.gochc-events, calling 478-453-1803, or registering Saturday morning at the Dennis Station boat ramp. Registration is $55 for one player and the Goat Island Picnic lunch can be registered for $15 if registration occurred by July 21.