Mayor’s Poker Run Saturday last one for Dwight Coleman

    It’s the 9th year for the Mayor’s Charity Poker Run in Imperial this Saturday, and it will be the last one for Mayor Dwight Coleman.
    Coleman is not seeking re-election to the mayor’s office this fall, ending 12 years in the office.
    However, it’s hoped the event will continue, according to organizers with the Giving Circle, which uses the poker run proceeds to help individuals and community efforts in Imperial and the area.
    Riders on motorcycle or other means of transportation can still sign up for Saturday’s event, said Jo Leyland, a Giving Circle member who helps coordinate the poker run.
    On Tuesday, 21 riders had already registered, she said.
    Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the city gym. The group will leave the City Square parking lot at 10:30 a.m. with their first poker card in hand, received at registration.
    From Imperial, stops include:
    Beth’s Bar & Grill in Benkelman;
    St. Francis, Kansas, where riders will eat lunch on their own and tour the motorcycle museum;
    The Boonies in Wray, Colorado; and
    Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Holyoke, Colorado.
    From Holyoke, the group will return to Imperial, where participants will collect their final card after throwing a dart at a board of cards.
    Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three poker hands. A bug spot prize will also be given, along with several door prizes, Leyland said.
    The $30 fee to take part includes the poker hand, T-shirt and supper at the city gym after riders are back.
    Registrations are being taken now until Saturday including walk-ups during the hour registration, Leyland said.
    Those who want to register before, can call the city office, 308-882-4368, or email Leyland at jol@imperial-ne.com.
    Registrations after Wednesday will not have a shirt to wear Saturday, but one will be mailed later, she said.
    Leyland said the group is hoping to continue the poker run as a fundraiser in the coming years after Coleman’s tenure. In the past eight years, an estimated $11,000 has been raised and given away in the community, she said.