1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Pulling The Plug On 2021 Event

Though the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run organizing committee members had held out hope for loosened COVID-19 restrictions in Upstate New York, as well an earlier-than-expected opening of the United States and Canada border, they are cancelling the 2021 event, which was scheduled for July 15-18. The news was announced this evening in a statement on the event’s Facebook page.

Though the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run won’t happen this year, its organizers have already set the dates for 2022. Photo by Tim Sharkey copyright Sharkey Images.

“It is with great sadness to announce that the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 4th Annual Charity Poker Run scheduled for July 15-18, 2021,” the statement read. “Canada’s travel restrictions along the U.S. border and State guidelines are both obstacles that we do not feel we can overcome to have a safe and successful event. A good portion of the run itself takes place in Canadian waters, which is now prohibited during our event, unfortunately. This was a very difficult decision to make, and we are already looking forward to next year and bringing everyone back from all over to gather together and enjoy the beautiful river and 1000 Islands.”

The 2022 event is scheduled for July 14-16. For participants who have already made reservations at the Clayton Harbor Hotel, the venue will either push those bookings to 2022 or provide refunds.

At present, large-group gatherings (other than weddings) are limited to 50 people under the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Reached by phone this evening, organizing committee member Bobby Cantwell said that while everyone involved Is disappointed and frustrated, all are fully committed to producing the event next year—and “keeping the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run name out there” this season.

“We will try to support other runs in the Northeast and elsewhere,” he said. “Ken Lalonde (who is part of the organizing committee along with his wife, Renee, Alexandra Buduson and Courtney Rutherford) has already registered for the Boyne Thunder Poker Run and I’ll be going with them. “Our 2021 event is cancelled,” he added. “But the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run is here to stay. We’re not going anywhere.”

1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Pulling The Plug On 2021 Event

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