Poker Paddle benefits lake education

ROB ZOLMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 4 months AGO

Poker Paddle participants smile and splash their way along the course. Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

Paddlers make their way to the next check point on Flathead Lake. (Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

Kayakers participate in the annual Poker Paddle on Flathead Lake. (Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

Kirk Teska and swimming buddy Balto enjoy a swim in the Flathead Lake during the Poker Paddle. (Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

Participants in the annual Poker Paddle on Flathead Lake. (Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

POLSON – Playing the hand they were dealt, more than 80 adventurous canoeists, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and swimmers endured light winds and choppy waves to try their luck at a hand of poker and raise money for a good cause Saturday morning.

Now in its sixth year, the Poker Paddle event hosted by The Flathead Lakers, a conservation organization based out of Polson, has been a fun opportunity for many to get out on the lake and raise some money.

“The event went very well. The Flathead Lakers were excited to bring it back after a hiatus during the pandemic, and were thrilled by the enthusiastic turnout,” explained Flathead Lakers Executive Director Kate Sheridan. “Every participant I talked with was happy to be enjoying a day on our exceptionally clean, blue lake.”

Starting and finishing at the Shoe located on Polson Bay’s west shore, participants collected a playing card at each stop to build the best possible poker hand as they made their way around the three-and-a-half-mile course. The best hand went to Mark Johnston.

According to Sheridan, the event raised almost $10,000 for the organization’s student education programs and community work to prevent the spread of invasive mussels and to promote clean water practices.