Poker Run headed by new mayor draws 31 riders

Saturday continued a decade-long tradition in Imperial—the 10th edition of the annual Mayor’s Poker Run. But, this year, it was also Mayor Craig Loeffler’s first Poker Run.
There were a total of 35 people registered, but 31 riders participated in the whole route on Saturday.
The riders drove to Benkelman, St. Francis, Kansas, Wray and Holyoke, Colorado and then later returned to Imperial.
This year, the riders were faced with some stormy weather.
“It started raining in Haigler as we got there and then we stopped in Wray for a break because the tornado sirens went off three times,” Loeffler said.
“Lots of wind, rain and hail north of Wray. We took off from Wray splitting storms and then out-running them from Holyoke back to Imperial,” he said.
After the ride, the participants were served a taco bar meal in the city gym as part of their registration fee.
Members of the Giving Circle helped run the registration, cooked the meal and cleaned up.
All the funds from the Poker Run will be donated to the Giving Circle.
“I anticipate we probably cleared about $2,000 but we won’t know for sure for awhile,” members Jo Leyland said.
All three winners of the best poker hands donated their prize money back to the Giving Circle.
The prizes were $150 for first, $100 for second and $75 for third place.
First place was Denise Nelson of Ogallala, second to Tracy Coleman of Imperial, while third went to Darwin Warning from Benkelman
“All in all it was a great ride even with the weather. It’ll be one that we won’t forget,” Mayor Loeffler said.
The Mayor’s Poker Run fundraiser was started by former Mayor Dwight Coleman 10 years ago. He returned to participate this year.
Brad Dinnel reviewed the route before the group left the City Square lot and also offered a prayer for a safe journey.