Large crowd enjoys benefit island Poker Run

CHINCOTEAGUE, MD -- Folks on Main Street must have had to cover their ears for the thunderous roar of motorcycle engines Sept. 8, as 172 riders crowded onto the downtown park as part of the Chincoteague Police Department's 3rd Annual Poker Run.

In all, about 300 people came to the event, which was located behind Don's Seafood Restaurant and into the Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront park on Saturday afternoon.

Police Chief Edward Lewis said this year's event was their largest attended ever, netting the department $13,672, which will go to purchasing food and toys for local needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

"This was our biggest (poker run) yet, and it's growing," said Lewis. "I think people are seeing what we're trying to do and want to help."

Two large tents were set up at the back of Don's Seafood parking lot, where hungry riders and guests chowed down on hamburgers, hot-dogs and seafood, while chatting up fellow riders and listening to the eclectic rock sound of QuadPod, a local band.

Once the riders had finished their run, a decoy and art auction was held.

The annual poker run may be best described as being a morning-long trip for motorcycle riders, which began in New Church, ran through Crisfield, Md., and ended at the park on Chincoteague. At each stop, the bikers received a playing card. At the end of the day, the rider with the best poker hand won a cash prize of $400.

The police department's poker run was one of their largest fundraisers, second only to their annual Haunted Forest, which is set up and run by department personnel and volunteers.

Unfortunately for those local thrill-seekers, Lewis said there will be no haunted forest this year.

"We can't get anybody to help, we're short on officers and volunteers," he said. "We've done it for five years and we just don't have the manpower to get it off the ground this time."

Lewis hopes to revisit the haunted forest fundraiser next year.

The department also hosts various dances and smaller fundraisers through the year, with all proceeds going to their food and toy benefit.

Another poker run has been planned for Saturday, Dec. 1.

News Added: 19 September, 2007

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