The Wilson Lake Area Association is ringing in the Fourth of July with a packed day of activities on the water and at the park, including the return of a beloved tradition that’s been on hold for several years.

“We are having our boat poker run again — we haven’t had one since 2021,” said Cori Miller of the Wilson Lake Area Association.

The poker run will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will use a new digital tool to streamline the event. “It takes a lot of work to put one on,” Miller said, “so we’re using an app this year — it’s called the Aces Poker Run app.” Participants register and download the app, and each stop is tagged with GPS coordinates. When boaters arrive at a stop, the app automatically draws their cards and tracks results, reducing the number of volunteers needed to run the event.

A standard hand costs $25, with an extra card available for $30.

That evening, the festivities move to Otoe State Park, where Hays-based band D.O.C. will perform from approximately 7-11 p.m. The two-piece group plays a mix of classic and 90s rock. “They’re very entertaining,” Miller said. “They put on a good show — this will be our third year having them, and they do a good job.” The concert is free to attend.

At dark — around 10 p.m. — a fireworks show will light up the sky over Lucas Point.

Merchandise will be available at Otoe State Park near the Yucca Shelter, which will also serve as the prize pickup location. The association pre-sold T-shirts but will have additional shirts and towels for sale at the event.

One of the more colorful raffle items this year is a four-foot custom-made steel fishing bobber — a nod to the oversized bobbers that have become popular yard ornaments around Wilson Lake. “You need a skid steer to move it around, but it’s pretty cool,” Miller said with a laugh. “I have a very small version, because my house is not big enough for a four-foot one — it would take up half my yard.”

The Wilson Lake Area Association has deep roots in the community. The organization was formed around 1962 or 1963, even before the dam was completed in 1964, when the Army Corps of Engineers reached out to local residents to help name coves and navigate land acquisition for the project. Since then, the association has worked to promote the lake and surrounding businesses, and has partnered with the state and the Corps on facility improvements.

The association recently achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which has helped expand its reach. Most recently, the Marshall Cove dock owners’ association merged with the group. “We are helping them to hopefully take care of Marshall Cove themselves and take the burden off the Corps,” Miller said. Privately owned docks populate the cove, and the Corps has historically maintained the surrounding area. The merged group has already begun work on roads in the area, with plans to eventually take over mowing and bathroom upkeep as well.

Looking ahead, the association is also in talks with the state about adding small roofed shelter structures near the kayak beach for campers and day visitors.

For the most up-to-date information on Fourth of July events, Miller said to check the association’s Facebook page.