2023 Kayak Poker Run

On Saturday, August 19th, Rick & Vanessa Fletcher joined 80 other participants in the Harford Land Trust Kayak Poker Run. Kayakers and paddleboarders launched at Water Street and made their way along the Havre de Grace waterfront for 3.2 miles. This year’s event was called “Matilda O’Neill Run” and provided some Harford County History. John O’Neill manned the artillery to defend Havre de Grace during the British attack in May 1813 during the War of 1812. He was later captured and held on the British Admiral’s ship.  Matilda O’Neill, John’s 15-year-old daughter, rowed out to the ship and confronted the admiral resulting in him letting her father go, thus saving John’s life.

Proceeds from this event supports HLT’s mission of preserving Harford County’s most treasured places and the pavilion renovations at The American Legion Post 47. The Kelly Group was a sponsor and Rick Fletcher serves on the Harford Land Trust Board.