You don't have to own a motorcycle to be able to take part in this year's Leigh Nolan Memorial Poker Run on Sunday, November 5. This annual event to raise money for UPARC was founded seven years ago by parents of a UPARC client in memory of their daughter. "In past years, this event has really been geared to those who own and ride motorcycles," commented event founder, Charlie Nolan, "but this year we wanted to open the event to the entire community."
For the first time, the event will include a Poker Walk at the final stop. Anyone can go to Quaker Steak and Lube (10400 49th St., Clearwater) at noon and have some great food and enter the Poker Walk for a chance to win a $200 cash prize. Poker Walk "hands" will be available for $5 or three hands for $10. Participants will visit five select vendor booths and will draw one card at each. The person with the highest poker hand after visiting all five stops will win the $200 prize. Second and third place winners will receive $50 and $25 respectively.
In addition, Born to Ride and Trike City, Inc. will sponsor a Bike Show. The Bike Show will feature both custom and radical motorcycles. Trophies will be awarded to the best bike in each of eight classes. All are welcome to attend and see the bikes in the show at no charge.
The Poker Run will begin at Fletcher's Harley Davidson located at 17129 US Highway 19 N. in Clearwater. The first bikes will leave at 10 a.m. with the last bike out by noon. All bikes must complete the run at Quaker Steak and Lube by 3 p.m. Anyone who would like to participate in the ride can call UPARC Foundation at 727-797-8712 for more information.