By Becky Maxedon

Sponsored Content by Anderson PowerSports

It’s about to get loud on Lake Havasu. Real loud.

The 25^th installment of the Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout kicks off Wednesday and power, speed and yes, noise, will rule through Saturday.

New owners local real estate broker and executive director of the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Steve Ticknor, and owner of DSM Events Jim Russell have partnered to present continue the Desert Storm event in Lake Havasu City. They promise a lot of fun and excitement over the five-day event.

Here’s a guide to all the fun at Desert Storm.

Kruisin’ for a Kause takes place during Desert Storm weekend in April. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Kicking off Desert Storm Wednesday is a longstanding event Krusin’ for a Kause. Krusin’ for a Kause is a charity event at which kids and adults with different abilities. Desert Storm volunteer boat drivers meet at Windsor 4 to take their guests from RISE, New Horizons, Milemarkers and Lake Havasu High School on the power boats and pontoons out on the lake. They will be treated to a hamburger lunch, snow cones and other goodies following the boat ride.

Desert Storm participants will gather Wednesday evening for a kickoff dinner with a live band and an auction. All proceeds this year benefit the Havasu Community Health Foundation, a local nonprofit that serves the health and wellness of citizens.

Thursday presents the opportunity to see the power monsters up close and personal at the event-favorite Street Party, from 1 to 9 p.m. Downtown McCulloch Boulevard closes at 7 a.m. to through traffic.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and participants line up along McCulloch Boulevard to sell their wares and to display some of the most beautiful boats in the world.

This year features a brand new food court with seating, a beer garden and bar in the Eye of the Storm (Springberg/McAndrew Park) and tons of fun and interesting things to see and do. Thousands of visitors flock are expected at the Street Party every year, making it one of Lake Havasu City’s biggest events.

Another opportunity to see the magnificent boats on the water is Friday morning at 11 a.m., when the Parade of Power takes place in the Bridgewater Channel. Grab a beach chair and enjoy the view.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

After cruising through the channel, drivers participate in a five-stop poker run at Havasu Springs, Steamboat Cove, Havasu Riviera, Kiowa Drain and Havasu Landing.

The Shugrues Shootout is Saturday at Site Six, from about 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New this year is Ross Wallach, a professional boat race director running the Shootout. The Shootout can be viewed either from shore in the areas around Site Six or by boat along the buoy line that will be in place.

The Shootout will be a closed-course event, with that section of the lake being closed to the public during the event.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The event concludes Saturday night with an awards banquet and party where the King and Queen of the Desert will be crowned for their top speeds in the Shootout.

This year’s event is sponsored by Anderson Powersports, Kicker Marine Audio and Shugrues Restaurant Group.

Visit desertstormlhc.com for more information.

To view more photos from the 2022 Parade of Power through the Bridgewater Channel, click  HERE

To view more photos from the 2022  Desert Storm Street Party , click HERE

To view more photos from the 2022 Kruisin’ For a Kause, click HERE

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Desert Storm Races take place annually in April. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene