The Altmont Recreation Commission completed its fifth annual UTV poker run on Saturday, Nov. 1.
According to Dyllon Stafford, who is on the board, the event serves as a fundraiser for its programs. In previous years, it has raised as much as $2,500.
“It’s just a creative way to raise money for the Rec, that helps the kiddos,” Stafford said. “We sponsor all of the sports around here, help with the Boo Bash, and put on the Christmas Parade.”
To participate, poker players brought their UTVs to Mc-Millen Park for registration, where participants purchase a score card. From there, the attendees leave for a 53-mile course.
“We have stops that you run through; you get stamps at each stop,” Stafford said.
Another board member, Megan Goins, added, “Then at the end, whoever has the best poker hand wins.” Goins said.
From McMillen Park, attendees cruised through Irving, Angola, and Edna before making their way to Idle Hour Lake, the stopping point, at 5 p.m.
Goins said during checkpoints, or between stops, individuals will take their time to hang out and socialize with one another.
Goins said her favorite part of the event is putting it on for the community to enjoy.
Of the decision to do a poker run with utility vehicles, Goins said: “They’re just popular in this day and age.”
“Everyone in town has one, it seems like,” President Rhyder Turner said.
Turner noted that the event was also family-friendly, with many children riding along. She said the event also draws in visitors from out of town and even out of state.
“It brings the community together and gives them something positive to do,” Turner said.
Mikael Shepard, an attendee, said he’s participated in every Chasing Daylight Poker Run to date. He rode with his son, Clayton Shepard, during the event.
Mikael said he enjoyed the social aspect of the day. Clayton said he enjoyed cruising and seeing the scenery.
The top three winners of the poker run include: first place, Drew Bates; second place, Christina Gilley; and third place, Emerald O’Brien.
To learn more about the Altamont Recreation Commission, visit https://www.facebook.com/AltamontRec.
