[printed in the Central Virginian newspaper 6/12/08] By Gail Martin

The best poker hand wins a trophy, and fights cancer at the same time. The Third Annual Louisa County Poker Run took place on June 7th, a hot Saturday. Despite nearly record breaking heat, more than 100 motorcycles with riders and passengers participated, according to Event Organizer, Becky Vigon.

Registration began at 8:00 am at the Reactor 1 in downtown Louisa. Fees were $15 per rider and $5 for a passenger. Each was given a route with five stops when the run began. A playing card was drawn at each stop and marked on the tally sheet. At the final stop of Walton Park in Mineral, the tally sheets were totaled, and five trophies were awarded: the best poker hand (hearts flush), the worst poker hand (pure trash), the oldest rider (75 years old), the youngest rider (6 years old) and the person from furthest away (278 miles!) to attend the event.

The After Party was held at Walton Park in Mineral. It was free for participants and VIPs, and a $10 donation was asked of all others. Four bands played: “Serve Chilled”, “Full Moon Circle”, “Mean Dean” and “Catfish Jones”. Food was available from the Trading Post in Dyke, VA, including delicious smoked pork and BBQ sauce from Almost Heaven BBQ in Mineral, and hot dogs from Kathy Stiles (Earlyhouse). Also on hand were an ice cream truck, an airbrush tattoo artist, and jewelry vendors. The emcee was Stevie Lynne of radio station 3WV (97.5 FM) out of Charlottesville.

Ms. Vigon thanked the many volunteers and contributors who made this event so successful. The latest totals are around $5,000 – with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society through the Louisa County Relay For Life. The real winner of the 2008 Poker Run was cancer research, with cancer being trounced but good!