Pend Oreille River Poker Paddle Aug. 13
![Participants in the annual Pend Oreille Poker Paddle have a tradition of having fun while traveling 32 miles downstream on the Pend Oreille River in two days from Usk to Ione. (Eileen Dugger )](https://thumb.spokesman.com/wwU4y-uI7juPLKaFHlH4wIGhyJ8=/810x0/media.spokesman.com/photos/2014/08/07/Pend_Oreille_poker_paddle.jpg)
WATERSPORTS –The 35th annual Pend Oreille River Poker Paddle, featuring non-motorized vessels ranging from sleek kayaks to parade-float creations, is set for Aug. 13.
The event will start at 8 a.m. at Pioneer Park Campground at Newport and finish 15 miles downstream at Usk by 5 p.m.
Formerly a two day event, the Poker Paddle participants spend a day on the river with stops at Sandy Shores, Gregg’s Addition, Ponderay Shores and Davis Road.
The first paddlers will launch at 8 a.m. with assigned start times running to 11 a.m.
At each stop, paddlers toss a dart to get a card with the goal of achieving the best poker hand to win prizes.
Grand prize is a night’s stay at the Northern Quest Hotel with dinner for two.
Register: $35, porpokerpaddle.com.