Waterfront Weekend

Friday, Jun. 21 – 23

Waterfront Weekend is slated to be filled with lots of fun events, including the Erie Poker Run and sports with growing popularity like HydroFlight and SupXross.

The Erie Poker Run is back for its fifth year with up to 60 powerboats. These boats will gather at Wolverine Park Marina and the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel for three days of high-speed, high-power action on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Performance boating enthusiasts will convene in Erie before making five stops at establishments on the shores of Lake Erie to complete a poker hand. The event is operated by Elite Poker Runs, LLC. This year, Elite Poker Runs will display several McLaren Automotive vehicles as well as a race support trailer from McLaren of Boston. A portion of the Erie Poker Run's proceeds benefit the Bradley H. Foulk Children's Advocacy Center.

The Poker Run will commence Saturday morning. Boats will take off from Wolverine Park Marina at 10 a.m. and will ride through the Presque Isle Bay Channel at 10:30 a.m. Visit the Erie Sports Commission web page for a full list of card stops and approximate arrival times.

The 2019 HydroFlight US Open Tour will be hosting HydroFlight competitions on Presque Isle Bay Saturday, June 22. The best locations for viewing will be along Dobbins Landing or on the shoreline outside of the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. Viewing will also be available on the east side of the Bayfront Convention Center.

HydroFlight uses the power of water to send a rider through the air at extreme speeds and soaring heights. A hose is installed into each participants' personal watercraft (PWC) and the flyer uses the power of the jet stream to perform intricate stunts and maneuvers. Judges will evaluate timed routines for their technical difficulty, execution, showmanship, and artistry. Popular stunts include the Superman, dolphin dives, and "threading the needle."

The 2019 SupXross Tour stops in Erie on Sunday, June 23. SupXross is stand up paddleboard (SUP) racing on a closed course, bridging the gap between straight-line SUP races and whitewater SUP racing. Racers must maneuver around buoys as they complete intricate turns. As many as 20 paddlers will negotiate a series of pivot turns and straightaways in this qualifying style of racing that includes heats, semi-finals and finals. A "Practice Safe SUP" demonstration with Directors Evan and Brooke Young will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. during the HydroFlight US Open. The best locations for viewing are the same as those for watching the HydroFlight Competitions.

Spectator admission to all events for Waterfront Weekend is free. — Madeline Dufala

Friday, Jun. 21 to Sunday, Jun. 23, start times vary // Dobbins Landing, 1 State St. // For full schedule, visit eriesportscommission.com