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The 4th Annual Is a Wrap!
Saturday, May 2nd delivered one of the best days Monkey Island has ever seen. Hundreds of golf carts, incredible auction items, a Kentucky Derby watch party, Southern Accents on stage, and a community that showed up big for two great causes.
Final fundraising totals and highlights coming soon — check back in the coming days.
The crew. What a group. What a day.
About the Cinco de Poker Derby
The Cinco de Poker Derby is the signature golf cart event on Monkey Island at Grand Lake — a full day of poker stops, live music, auctions, prizes, and community. Participants cruise Monkey Island collecting poker cards at 5 official stops and 2 wildcard stops, then converge on Big Shots for the Kentucky Derby watch party, live auction, golf cart raffle giveaway, and a live concert to close out the night.
Every dollar raised goes to two causes that matter: the Toby Keith Foundation's OK Kids Korral, which provides cost-free housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in Oklahoma City, and WAAMI — the Women's Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island — which funds local Grand Lake charities year-round.
Day-of Schedule
28200 S Hwy 125, Tera Miranda Shores, Unit 63, Monkey Island. Check in, receive your Poker Player Card & Event Bracelet. Photo booth, snacks & drinks, raffle tickets available, VIP table raffle, golf cart raffle sign-ups.
Opening remarks, format rundown, and sponsor recognition from the event committee.
All participants gather for the official group photo — then the poker run begins! Free-roam: visit stops in any order you choose.
Serving outside Big Shots through 8:00 PM.
Hard cutoff: ⚠️ No poker cards accepted after 5:30 PM
Bar open, music playing. Get settled — the night is just getting started.
Fun Derby facts, traditions, and energy building to the Run for the Roses.
Top hands revealed. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners called to the stage for recognition and cash payouts.
Best Decorated Golf Cart and Best Derby Hat recognition — crowd favorites get their moment.
High energy, fast pace. 11 incredible packages up for auction. Raise your paddle and support a great cause.
The big draw everyone's been waiting for. Winner announced live.
Live music to close out the night. Get ready to dance and celebrate.
Big Shots Final Run of Show — Official Schedule
Poker Run Format
Visit 5 Official Stops + 2 Wildcard Stops. At each stop, collect 1 free card — and buy up to 3 extra cards at $5 each to improve your hand. Best 5-card poker hand at the end wins.
✅ 5 Official Stops
- The Quarterdeck
- MarineMax
- South 125 Bar & Grill
- The Monkey Bar
- Whitecap at The Landings
⭐ 2 Wildcard Stops
- The Shebang
- Monkey Island RV Resort & Cabins
Also the card turn-in location — The Shebang Patio, 4:30–5:30 PM.
At each stop expect: Fun drinks & food specials, live music & entertainment, games, raffles, and great people. Build the best hand and win!
🃏 Poker Prize Pool
Route Map — All 9 Stops
Free-roam — visit stops in any order!
The Golf Cart Has a New Home!
This fully custom 2021 EZGO TXT Gas — built by Golf Cart Guyz — was given away live at Big Shots on May 2nd. Congratulations to the winner!
Every year the Cinco de Poker Derby features a show-stopping raffle prize. This year it was this custom-built cart from Golf Cart Guyz — lifted, lit up, push-button start, and street-ready.
- ✅ Lifted suspension
- ✅ Custom wheels & tires
- ✅ LED light bar
- ✅ Push button start
- ✅ Custom seat upholstery
- ✅ Premium sound system
- ✅ Custom body & paint
- ✅ Street-ready build
Winner was announced live on Facebook at Big Shots on the evening of May 2nd.
Built by Golf Cart Guyz: thegolfcartguyz.com · (918) 257-1749
Contests — Win $250!
Best Derby Hat
Audience judged at Big Shots during the Big Shots Finale. Rock the most outrageous, creative, or elegant Derby hat on Monkey Island.
Prize: $250 Shebang's Gift CardBest Decorated Golf Cart
Panel judged throughout the day. Deck out your cart with the most creative Cinco de Mayo / Kentucky Derby theme and turn heads at every stop.
Prize: $250 Shebang's Gift Card🔨 Live Auction — 7:00 PM at Big Shots
Local businesses and community partners have gone all-out this year. Come ready to bid. Every dollar goes to WAAMI and the Toby Keith Foundation.
Bullfrog Spas Calm Series 6 Hot Tub
6 seats, 28 jets, waterfall, LED lighting, headrests, cup holders. Delivery & setup included.
Ultimate Grand Lake Experience
2-night Shangri-La stay, resort pool, golf for two (Shangri-La + The Battlefield), $200 South 125 gift card, weekend golf cart rental.
Surf & Swine Experience
4-hour wakesurf session with Barefoot Wakes + $250 Blind Swine gift card.
Smoked BBQ Experience
Freshly smoked brisket + pork butt. Feeds a crowd. The real deal.
Dinner on the Water + Private 2-Hour Sunset Cruise for 8
Waterfront dinner + private sunset cruise on Grand Lake for 8 guests.
Grand Floats Water Chair Package
4 locally made Grand Floats Water Chairs + premium lake items. The ultimate lake day upgrade.
Ultimate VIP Night Out
$500 Speedy's Chophouse gift card + 3 hours on Prime Time Charters party bus + Big Shots VIP experience for 10 (2 top shelf bottles, 18 domestic beers, champagne sparkler, private seating).
America's Outdoor Adventure Park — 3 Day/2 Night All-Inclusive for 2
King cabin, pool & lazy river, guided rides, axe throwing, archery, SXS included, food & beverage + $100 drink voucher. Located in Jay, OK.
Beauty & Wellness Package
Scalp treatment (April Cox), Halo highlight & haircut (Terrei Phipps), spa facial (Heather Quint).
Tulsa Oilers Zamboni Ride Experience
Ride the Zamboni during a live game + family 4-pack of tickets.
One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Art Piece
Built completely by hand by local craftsman Jack Kern. No duplicates — only one will ever exist. A true collector's item.
Benefiting Two Great Causes
🏝️ WAAMI — Women's Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island
WAAMI is the 501(c)3 organization behind the Cinco de Poker Derby. They receive and distribute donations to local charities around Grand Lake and Monkey Island, making a direct impact on the community year after year.
❤️ Toby Keith Foundation — OK Kids Korral
The OK Kids Korral provides a cost-free, home-like environment for pediatric cancer patients and their families while receiving treatment in Oklahoma City. Every dollar raised makes a real difference for Oklahoma families in their hardest moments.
🗓️ See You Next Year!
The 5th Annual Cinco de Poker Derby returns to Monkey Island on the first Saturday in May 2027. Mark your calendar, start planning your golf cart outfit, and stay tuned — it's only going to get bigger.
More About Monkey Island
The Cinco de Poker Derby takes place entirely on Monkey Island — Grand Lake's premier entertainment peninsula. Check out our guides to Monkey Island, waterfront restaurants, and lodging options at Grand Lake.