Published: July 24, 2009 07:37 am      

Poker run offers tour of area parks

Motorcycle enthusiasts and drivers who like to tour will have a chance to win prizes for riding through several area parks to collect cards in a poker run.

The run, sponsored by the Northwest Domestic Crisis Service, is being held between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1, according to the organization’s volunteer coordinator, Janet Fitz.

Fitz said NDCS hopes to raise dollars for the service in its first poker run held by the agency.

The run will begin at Fort Supply Lake with “the last motorcycle and vehicle out about 9:30 a.m.,” Fitz said.

“We’ll meet on the east side of the lake at the very first area -- Crappe Cove,” she said “From there, we’ll go to Crystal Beach Park to meet in front of the new swimming area. That’s where we’ll pick up the first card.”

From there, the participants will drive to Alabaster Caverns for the second card, then to Avard to the haunted gym for the third card.

“We’ll serve lunch there,” she said, noting there will be a fee for food. Lunch will consist of hot dogs and brisket.

From Avard, the run will go to Little Sahara then Boiling Springs State Park for the fourth and fifth cards, she said.

“Winner of the best had will get $200,” Fitz said. “The worst hand will win $100. There will be lots of door prizes and gift items plus food from restaurants.”

“Area merchants have donated the gifts,” she said.

Because this is the service’s first poker run, Fitz said she hopes the surrounding area and Woodward will be supportive and participate.

“They’ll have time to explore the caverns and each one of the parks,” she said.

For information about registration, call 256-1215.

The event is open to all street legal vehicles and motorcycles, Fitz said.