Riders can still jump in on Mayor’s Poker Run

    For the past six years, Imperial Mayor Dwight Coleman has led a group of motorcyclists and other vehicles on an area ride with a little poker thrown in.
    With COVID-19 enveloping all aspects of life these days, there was some question early on if this year’s ride would happen.
    Coleman was happy to announce a few weeks ago the 7th annual Mayor’s Poker Run is on schedule and will take off this Saturday from Imperial.
    Registrations are still being taken, and riders in two, three and four-wheeled vehicles can sign up as late as Saturday morning, said Jo Leyland of the Giving Circle, which is working with Coleman on coordinating the event.
    As of Monday, 21 participants were registered, Leyland said.
    Final registration opens at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Imperial city gym at 740 Court Street. Riders will take off at 10:30 a.m.
    Cost to participate is $30, which includes the ride, a poker hand, T-shirt and dinner upon return to the city gym.
    Stops will be in Benkelman, St. Francis, Kansas, Wray, Colorado and Holyoke, Colorado before returning to Imperial about 6 p.m.
    When riders depart, they’ll receive their first poker card, with others given to them in Benkelman, Wray and Holyoke. The fifth card will be received when they return to Imperial and throw a dart at a display of cards on the dart board, Leyland said.
    First, second and third place prizes will be given to those with the best poker hands.
    Door prizes will also be awarded.
    The dinner cannot be served buffet style as in the past due to COVID-19 health measures, but participants will receive a boxed meal when they return.
    Leyland said seating in the air-conditioned gym will be spaced out for riders if interested.
    Those who weren’t registered by Wednesday this week will still receive a T-shirt but not in time for Saturday’s ride, she said.
    Coleman said the itinerary includes lunch in St. Francis, and a tour of the motorcycle museum there. However, he said since St. Francis is in a different state, he will be checking on whether the museum tour will be allowed.
    All proceeds will be donated to the Giving Circle, which helps needy individuals and donates to special projects in the area.
    Questions about the Mayor’s Poker Run can be directed to Leyland at jol@imperial-ne.com.