Poker Run 2018

For a long time now, the Poker Run has been a staple on the club’s spring calendar. Having “won” this event last year, Jack Hartley had the honor of organizing this year’s version, which was held on March 24. Jack drew upon the dual themes of parks and local history in the Venice and surrounding area for each of his clues. The stops that contributed to filling out the poker hand were the old Hotel Venice, the Venice Train Station, the Shamrock Park and Nature Center, Indian Mound Park, Jelks Preserve and the Venice Myakka River Park. Although the routing directions were straight forward, the fact that Venice and Englewood had downtown markets with road closures on that day provided some additional driving challenges. But it was an interesting and educational tour. Eight cars competed in the 55 mile Run which ended at Mama Leone’s Restaurant in Nokomis. Several other club members joined us there for the late lunch.

A poker hand with a pair of kings was enough for this year’s winners – Alex Huppe and Jeryl Schriever. They received the “silver” travelling trophy, a home decorator’s dream, which they can proudly display until next year’s event. In addition they received a SBCC logo polo shirt and the exclusive right to host Poker Run 2019! Russ Lukens had the second best hand and received a roll of microfiber towels and spray wax. Bruce Skaggs won third place and also collected a roll of microfiber towels and some car air freshener.

Photos by the author and Bruce Skaggs.

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