Docktales and Cocktails from the Cincinnati Waterfront
Reported by Chris Everett, Regional Service Manager
(Photo Credits Rick Spade from Spademade)
As I sit back and reflect on the Rock the River Poker Run, I am reminded that the boating community consists of some of the most humble, kind and generous groups of people around, and that laughter, cocktails, and docktales are contagious.
Twin brothers Matt and Pat Fledhaus, along with their cohort Michael Caliguri, have resurrected the Ohio River poker run scene. At this point, I first met Matt and Pat on a poker run in 2023, a little more than a year ago. Their infectious personalities andlarger-than-life stature make them hard to miss. Since then, we have become fast friends and fellow poker run attendees.
(Photo Credits Matt Trulio speedonthewater.com)
When they first proposed the Formula crew coming down to Rock the River last year, dates didn’t line up. This year we knew we were not going to miss it. With roughly 123 registered boats, I was not sure what to expect. All I knew was that if the Fledhauses and Caliguri were involved, it would be one heck of an event. They did not disappoint.
We decided to make our way south from Decatur, Indiana, on Thursday since there was a meet-and-greet at a local watering hole. After a quick splash of Jeremy Porter’s Formula 382 FAS3Tech and our stunning 387 Center Console Sport, we were met at the dock by the Feldhaus brothers, who asked if we needed anything. Handshakes were quickly passed over for hugs from friends we hadn’t seen in ages. Since we had a bit of time to burn and a quick shake down of the boats never hurts, we asked where we should head for a lunch run. “Go west,” they said, and Wayne Porter, Jeremy and I jumped in and headed out. We grabbed a quick bite at a local restaurant before returning to Manhattan Harbor Marina, home base for the weekend’s festivities.
(Photo Credits Formula Boats)
Thursday Night Meet and Greet
As our thirst and hunger began to grow again towards the evening hours, we decided it was time to head to the Lagoon Saloon for the pre-run meet and greet. We grabbed a pub table inside a nice-sized bar, and laughter and cocktails filled the room as we awaited our dinner. A steady stream of boaters entered the bar and crossed outside. We ate our dinner and went outdoors ourselves to find a surprisingly large back patio and yard. Music by Ryan Alfred filled the air, with occasional background vocals by one of the many boaters rocking the night away.
(Photo Credits Pete Boden Shoot2Thrill)
As the sun sank behind the building, the party started to intensify. A sudden downpour of rain followed, with everyone quickly huddling under the main patio, where the drinks and music continued to permeate the air.
Knowing we had a few things to do before the poker run the next morning, we decided to head back to our accommodations for the evening. As boaters, the anticipation for the start of the poker run builds, like Christmas morning to a small child. Like sugar plums, the thought of horsepower and speed danced in our heads throughout the night.
Friday Fun Run & Street Party
(Photo Credits Formula Boats)
After our Friday morning drivers’ meeting, everyone descended upon the docks to load into their boats. I hopped aboard Formula’s 387 CCS with several guests, captained by father and son duo Wayne and Jeremy Porter. We enjoyed a fun and smooth ride down to Cabana on the River for lunch.
The Cabana, an extremely nice riverfront venue with an incredible view of the water, is owned and operated by the Henschen family. It had enough dock space to hold all 60+ boats that arrived for the run, and served fresh burgers and brats to fuel the contagious laughter and tall tales from fellow boaters. The Henschen family donated the entire lunch, plus their staff, who helped serve all 300 of us, donated their tips back to the Cecil Dye Foundation. I would like to say a huge “thank you”to the Henschen family for the gracious donation and the wonderful hospitality. If you are ever on the river, make it a point to stop and have a meal at The Cabana. As the crack of a high-horsepower engines fired to life, it was time to head back downriver to prepare for the evening events at the street party. All 60+ boats throttled away from the dock and returned to Manhattan Harbor Marina to set up for the street party.
(Photo Credit Formula Boats)
Welcome to the wide world of boats, booths, and beverages. The street party had started, conveniently located outside Smoke Justis on Court Street. With a quick rain shower to cool down the evening temps, the music bellowed through the buildings with roughly 5-6 city blocks cordoned off. Event coordinators formed an eclectic venue of boats, cars, and vendors from far and wide. A giant crane held the banner alerting all attendees that Rock the River was upon us.
We manned a Formula booth, where we gave away custom Formula Poker Run shirts. We also set out a bucket for anyone to donate to the Cecil Dye Foundation. After a few hours, donations raised a nice amount, and the shirts had all but disappeared. Formula hadn’t told the organizers of their intentions with shirts and donations, so it was a nice surprise to help boost the final tally of charity funds. The music and conversation lasted well into the night as everyone relaxed before the long day to come.
Saturday Rock the River Poker Run
(Photo Credits Formula Boats)
With Saturday’s morning arrival, I hopped aboard Jeremy Porter’s 382 Formula FAS3Tech, Runs in Our Blood. With roughly 120+ registered boats and rumors of another 15-20 boats just running with the group, we had a drivers meeting held by the organizers to determine who was going to leave the marina in what order. As you can imagine, organizing 120+ with a helicopter for photos is no small task.
After the catamarans took off first, the next wave of boats entered the Ohio River. As at most poker runs, you mill around with your group until the chopper swings back around. At that moment, all the horsepower comes to life as everyone throttles up. The wind begins to whip through your hair, and the smell of high-octane fuel and water spray takes over. The run was scheduled for roughly 100 miles, a substantial distance for a boat ride; however, the Ohio River was calm and flat, and the boats were running fast and safe.
Close to the first stop, I heard the chopper swinging over the boat. Pete Boden from Shoot 2 Thrill Pix was doing what he does best. After stop number two, we went to Lighthouse Point Marina to grab lunch. Everyone docked up, and to our surprise, they had a hay ride to the marina, where we were all greeted by two food trucks. It was really nice to have options for different lunches, from hot mac and cheese to cold sandwiches.
With the temperatures rising, I wondered where we would be rafting up and getting into the water. I wasn’t even sure if people actually swam in the Ohio River. Speaking to locals who enjoy the river every weekend, I was told that you go east of the city to enjoy the water. Off we went to find what we were told were “new” islands that formed roughly 3 weeks before. We came upon a group of small sand bar islands that just seemed to magically appear. All of the boats nosed in and enjoyed the water and sun.
(Photo Credit Jason R Miller)
I spoke with fellow boaters about these pop-up sandbars. They said a barge had gotten stuck a few weeks ago, and this was the result of the efforts to free it, which worked out perfectly for all of the performance boaters. It was a wonderful way to end the day before returning to the marina.
(Photo credits Formula Boats)
I was able to capture a final photo of both beautiful Formulas before helping load the FAS3Tech onto Jeremy’s trailer. The 387 CCS stayed at the dock for the evening, a shining gem for customers and guests to experience. As the evening sun set, the 387 CCS had its lights on and music going as the docks filled with participants and guests. The music inside the marina was rocking late into the night.
Inside the Manhattan Harbour Yacht Club, we ate a wonderful taco bar for dinner. Everyone was turning in their cards for the poker hands. I saw a gentleman pull 4 aces, a tough hand to beat, and he donated the winnings back to the foundation. The main goal of many poker runs is to raise money for a local charity, and the Feldhauses and Caliguri did that in spades, raising roughly $44,000 for the Cecil Dye Foundation.
At this point, I realized I had enough sun and fun for the weekend and found the Feldhaus twins and Caliguri to thank them so much for having us. To say it was enjoyable would be an understatement. They asked “if we would be back next year.” Without hesitation, I simply replied “just put us down for every year from now!”.
If you are anywhere in the area and want to enjoy an amazing boating community with hearts of gold, make sure you attend next year’s Rock The River! Until then, we will see you on the water.