Saginaw Bay Powerboat Run

The 2nd Annual Saginaw Bay Powerboat Run is scheduled for August 6–8, 2026, in Caseville, Michigan. Based at Caseville Municipal Harbor, the three-day event brings performance-boat owners, recreational boaters and spectators together for a summer weekend on Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.

The event follows a group powerboat-run format rather than a traditional poker run with card stations and winning hands. Participating boats are expected to cruise together from Caseville while visiting destinations around Saginaw Bay and Michigan’s Thumb. Final 2026 routes, departure times and gathering locations should be confirmed through the official event page before the weekend.

Registration is priced at $200 per boat and includes the captain and one passenger. Additional passengers may register for $30 without dinner or $50 with dinner included. Organizers opened registration in February and reported increased sponsorship and early interest from participating boat owners.

The event begins Thursday, August 6, with activities for registered boaters and sponsors. An organizer post lists a private bus trip departing Dufty’s Blue Water Inn at 11:15 a.m. that day, with transportation provided for registered participants and sponsors. The primary on-water and public event activities are promoted for Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8.

The inaugural Saginaw Bay Powerboat Run attracted approximately 50 boats despite strong wind and rain. The first-year route included a cruise from Caseville Harbor to Charity Island, followed by a longer run toward Tawas City and Port Austin. The 2026 route may follow a similar regional format, but the previous itinerary should not be treated as the confirmed schedule for the second annual event.

The event was created by organizer Jerald Ignash following a conversation with fellow boater Bill Lemanske. In addition to showcasing high-performance boats in the Caseville area, the event was established to support the Port Austin Fire Department and the Huron County Sheriff Marine Patrol. American Custom Marine, a Michigan-based Nor-Tech dealer, is among the event’s sponsors.

Caseville Municipal Harbor provides a central location for boats entering Saginaw Bay, while spectators can view portions of the event from the Caseville waterfront and other public viewing areas around Michigan’s Thumb. With stronger sponsorship and registration entering its second year, the Saginaw Bay Powerboat Run is positioned to continue growing as a regional Great Lakes performance-boating weekend.