Approximately 150 to 200 boats are expected for a boat run Saturday on the Bayou Teche.

The third annual Mullet 5000 Bayou Teche Poker Run kicks off at 9 a.m. at Pelicans on the Bayou at 5 Jefferson St. in New Iberia. The Louisiana Powerboat Association is sponsoring the event, and event coordinator Tommy Derouen said this morning that despite the concern about Hurricane Gustav, the event is still scheduled for Saturday as planned.

Coordinator Donald Robertson, a manager at Pelicans on the Bayou, describes the run as a “big circle” with a name likened to a poker game.

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“It’s a 60-mile long run that starts here in New Iberia,” Robertson said, adding most of the boats used in prior years have been runabouts. “You can go either direction, but most people go by Loreauville. We had about 70 boats the first year and 100 last year.”

Along the route there will be stops where participants will have a card stamped. From there, each boat must have a minimum of five stamps to get a poker hand.

“We have a $500 prize for best hand,” Robertson said, with $250 for second best and $100 for “worst hand” or a hand that doesn’t make anything. There will also be a $100 prize for the largest mullet — a current fishing license is required for this contest.

Proceeds from the event go toward the Iberia Humane Society and the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Island Outpost.

The entry fee for the event is $50 per hand. Music will be provided by CT Productions, with DJ Slim. The event also will include a Chicken Drop and a Balloon Toss.

Wristbands for additional guests are $5 each. Robertson said an estimated $2,000 was raised at last year’s event.

Derouen, powerboat association president, is excited about Saturday’s event.

“It just gets bigger and better each year,” Derouen said. “This year you’ll be able to do it on land or on the water.”

Volunteers are needed for the event. For more information about volunteering or to apply to take part in the run contact Robertson at 364-8677 or e-mail info@lapowerboatassn.com.

An all day registration party will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday at Pelicans on the Bayou.