craigdailypress.com

Jenny Tonso, NOWECOS

Greg Brewer, middle, Jayne McCormick, right, and Scott Dejardins pose for a photo last Saturday at The OP Bar and Grill after the 11th annual Poker Run hosted by the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club. Brewer, McCormick and Dejardins finished first, second and third, respectively.

Last weekend the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club hosted more than 100 riders for its 11th annual Poker Run.

The event, which encompassed four card stations spread out over 24 miles of groomed trails, is one of NOWECOS’ marquee fundraisers for its college scholarship program.

NOWECOS awards two $1,200 scholarships to graduating Moffat County High School seniors each year.

This year the Poker Run raised close to $2,400. Half of the proceeds were distributed to the top three finishers, including Greg Brewer, Jayne McCormick, and Scott Dejardins who placed first, second and third, respectively.

The other half goes into NOWECOS’ scholarship fund.

In addition to raising funds for two outgoing MCHS seniors, NOWECOS Vice President Wayne Wright said the club annually receives generous donations from local residents and the Craig business community to provide door prizes for its participants.

Those prizes have become valuable in drawing riders1190 to the Poker Run each year, added NOWECOS volunteer and snow cat operator Dave Watson.

“We have prizes for things like the youngest rider and the oldest rider, so we see a lot of people come up here with their families,” Wright said. “It’s a family get together and for a lot of people this is the only day they all get out to ride together all winter, and we’re happy it turned out to be such a beautiful day.”

Though NOWECOS first ran its Poker Run in 2000 the event has twice been cancelled during the last 13 years, once due to rain and last year due to limited snow cover.

But Watson said last year’s cancellation provided NOWECOS members with an opportunity to switch things up this year for their longtime riders.

“It’s nice having it this year even though it was unfortunate not to have it last year,” Watson said. “We decided to change our route this year to provide some new country for people who have done the run over the years.”

Joe Moylan can be reached at 875-1794 or jmoylan@craigdailypress.com