Poker cruise fundraiser planned in Hawea

Organisers of the Mad March Classic Car and Car Enthusiast Charity Run on Saturday, March 28 are (from left) Lake Hawea Hotel owner John Shea, Kelly McKenzie and Merv Giles. The examples of participating cars are (from left) a 1970 Mark 4 Ford Zodiac, a 1980 Ford F100 and a 1974 Mercedes SLC 350. Photo by Catherine Pattison.

Owner John Shea had noted the number of people around the district who took pride in their cars, and decided to organise a return poker cruise to Haast on Saturday, March 28, with the proceeds going to the society.

The Mad March Classic Car and Car Enthusiast Charity Run is open to "anyone and everyone", he said.

"It's an excuse for owners to get them out, show them [the cars] off, or just go for a blast really."

Paying participants will be given a playing card each way at the hotel, Makarora, and Haast, with the best poker hand winning a prize.

Another prize will be decided 50% on the quality of the car, 50% on the the cards it contains.

Pre-registration of $10 per person is available at the hotel, or entry will be $15 there, on the day, from 10.30am.

Departure will be at 11.30am.

After the cruise the cars will line up around the hotel about 6.30pm, just before the prizegiving.