5th Annual Snowmobile Club poker run a success

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Gail Paquette

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Despite having to cut their ride a bit short because of poor visibility Steve and Amy Pavac of Trenton gave The Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club's fifth annual Poker Run two thumbs up.

Gail Paquette, Stirling EMC

Despite having to cut their ride a bit short because of poor visibility Steve and Amy Pavac of Trenton gave The Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club's fifth annual Poker Run two thumbs up.

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Ken Hughes from Courtice not only sported special goggles in support of the Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club's fifth annual Poker Run but donated door prizes including a hockey stick and hat signed by several NHL players. Chili was provided by Ma and Pa's in Madoc.

Gail Paquette, Stirling EMC

Ken Hughes from Courtice not only sported special goggles in support of the Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club's fifth annual Poker Run but donated door prizes including a hockey stick and hat signed by several NHL players. Chili was provided by Ma and Pa's in Madoc.

EMC Sports -Madoc -The Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club had their backs covered or so they thought. With the lack of snow leading up to their fifth annual Poker Run, they added radar races to this year's event. If the trails lacked the perfect conditions for a full out ride, races could still be held on nearby Eldorado lake.

As it happened the trails were in great shape. "We did a lot of grooming and we were prepared," said club President Andy Vanecko.

Then the snow began to fall and grew heavier by the minute. By 1:30 p.m. outdoor displays were covered with inches of heavy wet snow and the riders were coming in a bit earlier than planned. The snowfall ended up being one of the heaviest the area had seen so far this season. Even the radar races ended early as visibility on the lake lessened

"If this snow had only come yesterday," said Vanecko.

It may not have been ideal weather and in a sense ironic to have too much snow but the day was still a huge success for the club with close to 100 poker hands played, a larger display of antique snow machines than last year and several new vendors. Over $10,000 in prizes including a trip to Sands on Golden Lake Inn and Resort were won.

"Last year we did have more riders," said club treasurer Steve Needham. "Conditions were different. We were fund raising for the new and much needed bridge over Deer Creek, so we are grateful for that."

With the bridge completed in the spring of last year the club is now focusing their efforts on promotion. They have a new web site, < www.centrehastingssnowmobileclub.ca>and are looking at more signage for the trails and perhaps a new groomer.

"Unfortunately, you can't predict the weather," said Vanecko. "The Eastern Ontario Trails Association had a lot of the connecting routes closed due to this season's unpredictable weather conditions leading up to the event. A lot of our riders trailered in."