By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday, May 13, 2017 the American Legion Riders Chapter 9 Jacksonville Florida and Flamingo Lake RV Resort once again hosted the Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert. Although most years there is close to 1,000 bikes, this year the rain threw the event a curveball. But there were still 481 motorcycles with 163 passengers that came out to brave the rain and raise over $22,000 after expenses for K9’s For Warriors, The Florida Fallen Hero Memorial Foundation and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The live entertainment was off the chain with The Curt Towne Band starting the day off as the bikes went KSU. The Remedy played until 3 pm for the crowd that was there partying while the bikes were out. City of Bridges came on at 4PM and really got things wired until the bikes returned at 5PM. That is when The No Saints Band took over and closed the event down at 10PM. The event, although a little wet, was a great success and that is in large part due to the awesome volunteers and support organizations that every year come out and help make it great. With over 29 different poker stops on 13 different routes to choose from, the City of Jacksonville was saturated with great folks riding, as well as, the rain. We are already looking forward to next year’s event. Make your plans.