It's Time For TooonTime

Warning: a quick Google search for go-fast performance poker runs may leave you a little overwhelmed when the results are revealed. Face it: nearly every major body of water in our country seems to offer some type of a performance boat poker run. However, try searching for a family-friendly, pontoon-specific poker run and see what you get. If TooonTime is not at the top of your search results, it clearly should be.

Not since Kid Rock first boasted of life in northern Michigan in his hit song “All Summer Long” has the spotlight shined brighter on this region. TooonTime will be held June 27 and 28 on Indian River in Michigan for the third straight year and it's quickly growing. The pontoon-specific poker run is the talk of not only northern Michigan, but is gaining national attention too, thanks to Rob Mason and his hard-working crew.

The two-day event that is extremely well organized and centered on the pontooning lifestyle kicks off with a boat show at Marina Park that is located at the confluence of the Indian River and Little Sturgeon River in Michigan.

Dealers from around the area, as well as pontoon manufacturers, come together to display pontoons at the boat show, ensuring the first day is more than just for registering or getting checked in. The popular restaurant 310 Station that is adjacent to Marina Park offers adult beverages that can be taken to the boat show that also includes a live band.

Gaining Support
Indian River Sports Center, a well-known dealer nearby which offers Tahoe pontoons, has been a major supporter since day one, but other pontoon manufacturers and engine manufacturers such as Mercury are getting involved for year three as well. Anchor In Marina, Howe Marine, Indian-River Marina, Jacks Mullet Lake Marina, and Burt Lake Marina are three additional dealerships on board for this event to ensure there will once again be a nice variety of pontoon brands on display at the Marina Park boat show.

10,000 Reasons To Come
The list of why you should either trailer your boat to Indian River at the end of June or rent a pontoon from one of the local marinas is practically endless. However, if you're looking for a monetary reason, how does $10,000 sound? The prize money is divided between the top five poker hands including $5,000 going to the overall winner! Don't know a thing about poker? Not to worry. If you can follow a map to six poker run stops and pick up a playing card in a sealed envelope at each place, that is all you need to know. The sixth stop gives you a bonus card in your attempt to get the best five cards in your hand, but again, you don't need to know if a straight flush beats a full house. Your only responsibility – other than to have an amazing time – is to collect the envelopes and let Rob and his crew do the rest.

Behind The Scenes
Because Rob is not working with just a specific city or single location, the number of permits required to organize the TooonTime event has made this poker run a year-round commitment.

“From the Chamber and Parks and Rec to the sheriff and BNR, I don't think people realize the amount of permits that are needed,” says Rob.

Yet despite all the extra steps needed, it's something he has a passion for and he knows he's filling a void so whatever is needed he's happy to do.

As a lifelong boater Rob has enjoyed poker runs for “go fast” boats that are found everywhere, but wanted to create a more family-friendly event just for pontoons.

“It's a strong pontoon market with steady growth not seen in other boating segments and we wanted to give pontooners their own poker run that is just for pontoon and triple pontoon boats.”

Heading into the event's third year, he feels he has a better understanding of pontoon owners now. “Pontooners are unique and I've noticed they don't always seek out different areas to boat,” said Rob. “They tend to boat on the lake they know and our event gives them an excuse to trailer their boat and go do something different with other enthusiasts.”

For All Pontooners
One misconception Rob wants to make clear is that TooonTime is not a private event. It's a family oriented poker run that is open to anyone with a pontoon.

“It doesn't have to be a specific brand of pontoon, or a performance pontoon, or even a new pontoon; everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the weekend,” explains Rob.

Friday is a great opportunity to gather at Marina Park, but Saturday is when the real fun kicks off. Day two begins with the national anthem being played at 9:30 Saturday morning from the back of Rob's pontoon with boats surrounding the temporary docks that are provided by Shoreline Dock Company.

There are two routes you can take so you don't overcrowd the waterways and both are around 40 miles apart. There are a total of six stops, giving you a bonus card to complete your poker hand. At the sandbar near the temporary docks is where lunch is provided. Unlike the go-fast boat races, ahem, go-fast poker runs, the day is meant to be enjoyed at your leisure and is not just about making your way around to all the stops.

And The Winner Is
That evening at 7 everyone gathers under the tent at Marina Park to enjoy live music after party that includes dinner, prizes and of course recognizing the winners. Again, there is $10,000 in cash for the top poker hands including $5,000 to the overall winner. TooonTime also benefits different charities and this year they're supporting the Cheboygan County Food Shelter.

Despite the nasty rainy weather last year, the 2024 event was still deemed an overwhelming success.

“The weather was not good and everyone had a reason to complain, but not one person did,” recalls Rob. “That's what probably surprised me the most. We had to adjust the schedule around the storms, but everyone still had a great time. The general response from those who attended was that we gave them a day on their boat that they normally wouldn't have got on a day like that.”

Mark Your Calendars
Find your thickest marker and circle June 27 and 28 on your calendar today to make sure you're on Indian River the last weekend in June. With just a handful of pontoon-specific events, this would be a great one to support as the pontoon community comes together. Plus what a fun excuse to use your boat on a different waterway and see first-hand other boat brands on display from the regional dealers and national manufacturers.

With the popularity of TooonTime continuing to grow each year in Michigan, don't be surprised if Rob expands to other pontoon dominant regions around the country to help other communities celebrate the pontoon lifestyle. We could always use more pontoon-specific events, right?