Southern Louisiana Tickfaw 200

The Tickfaw 200 is a event that happens in the beginning of every summer.. million dallar boats come from all over the county and we never miss the opportunity to go out and injoy the sites...

SPRINGFIELD, LA (NBC33) — It’s one of the biggest events that comes to Livingston Parish and has an economic impact a four parish area. It's the Tickfaw 200 power boat poker run.

Boaters have flocked to southern Louisiana to participate in the largest power boat poker run ever. And this year is expected to bring in one million bucks to the area which is big news for Livingston parish.

They are big, quite colorful and right now they are everywhere.

"It’s going be a good time," said Mark Godsey from Chattanooga, TN.

The Tickfaw 200 power boat poker run has boats, booze, open water and of course hundreds of people from across the nation that gather here in southern Louisiana.

"We meet people from all over the country here and everyone meets here. We probably have 300 boats that are going to be here," said 12 times Tickfaw 200 veteran, Nate Michel.

It’s an event that gives the local economy a much needed surge.

"They fill up our hotels they drain all the gasoline and diesel out of the stores and fuel docks they even fill up Tickfaw State Park in Springfield," said Director of the Livingston Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, Eric Edwards.

And what draws them in besides the obvious, is the hospitality

"People are so nice; they pulled us in right away when they didn't even know us," said Godsey.

You also can’t forget the unique charm of Louisiana.

One tradition that catches the boaters eyes, involves money and a chicken, yes, a chicken.

“The chicken drop is whenever it poops on a number and you win money,” said Michel. “If it lands on your number, you win. So the chicken drop is always an amazing event."

Locals and visitors alike are thrilled that this event is such a huge boost to the surrounding four parishes.

"It’s estimated that there is close to a one million dollar economic impact," noted Edwards.

"I just cannot believe how many people come from all over the country to support it."

The event runs until the end of Saturday then everyone heads home Sunday.

Organizers say this is by far the largest turn out ever. They've even had to send people to Baton Rouge and Hammond to stay because every available room around the Tickfaw is taken.