There are many colorful weeks in 
Key West, but I have to say four of the most colorful days in the year are the annual Key West Poker Run. Over 10,000 motorcyclists and enthusiasts will arrive in Key West not only to ride, party, and admire custom bikes, but to raise money for the Diabetes Research Institute and other charities of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club. Dates of this year's Poker Run are September 15-18.
Peterson's Harley-Davidson South in Miami will hold a Pre-Poker Run Party on Thursday, September 15 beginning at 6:00 p.m. On Friday morning, September 16th, the Key West Poker Run fun begins! Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. at either Peterson's Harley-Davidson location in Miami. Bikers will ride 113 scenic miles on the Overseas Highway to Key West. This has to be the most awesome, beautiful bike ride anywhere! Here are a few scenes from a previous Key West Poker Run.
Bikers will stop at designated places along the route to draw cards. Those holding one of the ten best hands when the ride ends will play in a winner-take-all round of Texas Hold' Em. The grand prize is a new Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle or $6000 in cash
Key West's Duval Street will be partially blocked off to car traffic so that bikers can display their bikes. Several Key West bars and resorts will hold special biker events. A vendor village will be set up on Greene Street with booths and entertainment from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. All are welcome to the Hog Roast Welcome Party held at the Schooner Wharf Bar on Friday evening beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Bikers may also follow the Poker Run on Saturday, September 17th. The stops and agenda are the same as Friday's. On Saturday, other events include a raffle by the Key West Sunrise Rotary, Rick's/Durty Harry's Bike Show, The Paradise Tattoo Contest, Sloppy Joe's Biker Bash, as well as the 16th annual Blessing of the Bikes sponsored by the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
The grand finale of the Key West Poker Run will be held at Cowboy Bill's Saloon. Here the Texas Hold' Em round will be played at 11:00 p.m. All other Poker-Run winners will be announced at that time.
Bikers and others will gather on Sunday morning for the Survivor's Beach Party at The Southernmost Beach Cafe' from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fun will include games, prizes, and music with a D.J.
Key West has a real knack for combining loads of fun with worthy causes, and Phil Peterson's Key West Poker Run is a great example. During the past two decades alone, the Peterson family has raised over $500,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute in addition to the charities of the Key West Sunrise Rotary.
Whether you are joining in the fun on September 15-18 or not, this is a great time to take a look at Key West properties. Give me a call and we'll get started. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.
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photo courtesy Peterson Harley-Davidson Facebook Page