By Lulu

After missing a year, the Peterson family are back with the annual Key’s poker run which their father Phil started in 1972 for a total of 45. As many events experience growth and change, sometimes it is time to get back to basics and so was this year’s poker run. Rather than jump through major economic hoops imposed by Key West, which ate up a great deal of the profits for the charities, it was decided to run this like a true run…not a rally. I heard some complaints ranging from “Where is the Duval activities?” to people being irate that Key West eliminated all parking with barricades on Duval Street which discouraged the bikers who did stay in Key West for the weekend from partying in Irish Kevin’s, Dirty Harry’s and Sloppy Joe’s. There really wasn’t a crowd anywhere.

Personally, I enjoyed this run more than others. It was less hectic trying to run to bike shows, tattoo contests, bikini contest and the final event which is the ending poker hand. I enjoyed just having the stops to make, my cards to pull, drinks to drink, food to eat, pools to swim in and bands to listen to!!! And in the end…all we really care about as bikers is the ride! The stops after sign-up at Peterson’s were Gilbert’s Resort, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Marker 88, Island Fish Co. and Boondocks with the final Texas Hold em hand back at Gilbert’s on Sunday afternoon. As a past Rotary president I also care about the charity! And I hope those of you who have ridden on this event for years will realize that is what it is all about. Next year if they do this again I will probably stay somewhere besides Key West and book my final nights at Gilbert’s Resort which has beautifully remodeled rooms and a great sunset.

Amy Mechlowitz was the lucky winner of the Texas Hold Em final hand and walked away with $5,000!! The 50/50 let Steve Bukovack from Palm Coast win $600. 957 poker hands were sold, and I hope you will put this on your calendar for next year! The charities really appreciate your support!!!