Poker run draws 107 entrants first year

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

The turnout wasn’t quite what was expected last Saturday, but organizers are still calling the Medical Center Nursing Home’s first Heritage Poker Run a great success.

The event drew 107 entrants who drove or rode an estimated 70 motorcycles and 14 classic cars to raise money to benefit the residents of the home.

“Everybody has been highly complimentary,” said administrator in-training Vicky Robertson. “Everybody said it went really well, and nobody voiced any complaints.”

Robertson also said the residents of MCNH enjoyed the event, and plans are being made for next year.

The poker run started at Greenbelt Lake’s south boat ramp, and participants drove to and drew additional cards at four other locations on a route that encompassed SH 70 to Jericho, I-40 to McLean, SH 273 to Hedley, and US 287 to Clarendon. Briley Chadwick had the low hand and won $256.80.  Kim Layton had the high hand and took home $385.20.

Nursing home residents L.L. Wallace, Clyde Price, Virginia Lunsford, Christine Milward, and Colleen Crow judged the cars and bikes. Clarendon’s Larry Hicks was the big winner, claiming the first place motorcycle certificate and the overall Best of Show title with his ’85 Goldwing. Larry Christopher was second in the motorcycle division with his ’91 Goldwing, and Patrick Robertson was third with his ’85 Electric Light.

In the car division, Johnny Ray of Pampa was first with his ’65 Barracuda, Redell Johnston of Howardwick was second with a ’66 Mustang, and Ken Carden of Howardwick was third with a ’49 Hudson.

Another car of interest belonged to Darrel and Frances Brogdon of Amarillo. Their 1957 Chevrolet was purchased new from Alderson’s Cheverolet in Clarendon, has had only three owners, and has only 35,000 original miles on it. Everything about the car was original and in pristine condition.

The poker run netted about $2,000, which will go toward the purchase of a new van to transport residents to activities.