Mayor’s Poker Run largest ever

    A good thing just keeps getting better. The seventh annual Mayor’s Poker Run, held Saturday, drew 45 riders, up 11 from last year.
Motorcyclists gathered at the Imperial City Gym to register and prepare for their ride to benefit a local charity—the Giving Circle.
“I think the great turnout is because everyone has been couped up, and they were ready to get out for some fun, fresh air, seeing good friends while helping a charity,” Mayor Dwight Coleman said.
Coleman added that there are a couple of other things he thought contributed to the good turnout.
“Many of our regulars are talking to their friends and inviting them to participate in the poker run, and due to the pandemic we weren’t competing against as many other events. There was less conflict this year,” he said.
Along with the motorcyclists was a pickup pulling a trailer with extra water and to be on hand in case of any breakdowns.
Also included in the entourage was a yellow 1934 Model A 130, also called the Bonnie and Clyde car.
Owner Dennis Coleman from Farmington, New Mexico is the older brother of the mayor.
“This is the same model and year of car Bonnie and Clyde who met their end by shotgun,” Dennis said.
    Cards for the Poker Run were selected at Imperial before riders left, then at Benkelman. Though no card was selected at St. Francis, Kansas, the group stopped for lunch and a visit at the town’s motorcycle museum.
     Riders continued into Colorado, drawing cards at Wray and Holyoke, before wrapping up their evening in Imperial where their final card was selected by throwing a dart at an assortment of cards attached to a board.
End of the road
    Supper was served in the city gym by the Giving Circle.  
    Participants Dan Rowley and Mary Sparks said the group looked impressive as it left Imperial.
    “The people are all cool,” Sparks said. “There’s no tension, it’s just a bunch of people out for a ride.
    Though not an ABATE sponsored event, Rowley said many of the riders were group members and pointed out riders from Grant, Ogallala, Hayes Center, Wallace and Imperial.
    Brad Dinnel helped organize the event and said it went well.
    While many rides have been canceled, Dinnel said when a ride is announced on Facebook, people show up.
    Dinnel added, that it’s nice to get out and “support businesses that support us.”
    Jason Speck was the big winner of the night, taking home a $150 Visa card for the best poker hand.
    Laura Barton finished second and claimed a $100 Visa card. Doug Gaswick was third, earning a $50 Visa card
    Winner of the Mystery Raffle was Mallory Coleman.
    Many motorcycles placed an orange sticker on the front of their rides when they left Imperial for a chance at another prize.
    Richard Boon picked up the most bugs on the day and earned a car wash kit from AACE Wash Systems. Heidi Adams placed second.
    The total amount raised wasn’t available as of Monday morning.