Residents and visitors to Matlacha this weekend are all invited to share in the festivities during the Matlacha Civic Associations second annual Island Picnic and Paddle/Peddle/Pedestrian Poker Run. This unique poker run will take place in the heart of Matlacha on the afternoon of Saturday, April 10, beginning at 2 p.m. beginning at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha. Billed as a “green” poker run, no motored vehicles will be permitted and those participating can do so by foot, kayak, bicycle or any other mode of motorless transportation. The participants will visit various locations in Matlacha to build a hand and different destinations will be geared to the particular means of transportation selected by each participant. The cost for a hand is $5 and will put the players in the running for prizes to be awarded at the end of the poker run. The run will end at the Olde Fish House at 4:30 p.m. when the hands will be tallied and prizes will be presented.

Sponsoring the event is the Matlacha Civic Association for the second year in a row.

“Last year the poker run and picnic were such a great success that we decided to keep it as our annual spring island get-together,” said Matlacha Civic Association president, Bill Stoelker. “The money generated by our fund raisers benefits several local organizations and it is our hope that the residents of Matlacha and Pine Island come out and have a great afternoon while contributing to their community.”

Following the poker run, the Island Picnic will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and drinks while listening to one of the island’s most popular musicians.

“We are pleased to welcome back the Bombaleros who entertained us during last year’s event,” said Stoelker. “This trio will be back to perform sounds of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks and what lead guitarist, Joe Harley, calls vintage rock and roll.”

The Bombaleros will perform at the Olde Fish House Marina from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost of the picnic and entertainment will be $8 per person and beer and wine will be available for purchase.

For advanced tickets or more information, call Bill Stoelker at 898-2121 or Melady Kehm at 282-1219.

For more information about the Matlacha Civic Association, visit matlachacivicassociation.org.