Uniontown poker run to take place next month

UNIONTOWN, Kan. -- Area bikers will be revving their engines for a poker run early next month that will take them through four Southeast Kansas counties and benefit the Uniontown High School junior class.

The Sixth Annual Old Settlers' Poker Run, part of the 106th Annual Old Settlers Picnic, is scheduled to take place from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Motorcycle riders will travel through the scenic back roads of Bourbon, Linn, Anderson and Allen counties during the event, which originated in 2005 as part of the 100th annual Old Settlers Picnic.

During the poker run, riders will follow an established route and make three predetermined stops along the way. At each stop, participants will draw one card from a deck of playing cards to complete a five-card poker hand. The participant with the best hand will be declared the winner and receive a cash prize. The 100-mile route begins and ends at Uniontown City Park.

The cash prize will be determined by the number of entries; last year's winner collected more than $150.

"The larger the participation, the greater the cash prize," event spokeswoman Tina Rockhold said.

The cost to enter the poker run is $20 per hand and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Participants will also get an opportunity to win cash prizes and other prizes donated by area merchants.

The ride has grown in popularity since its inception and has included more than 50 bikes in previous years, a news release said.

Rockhold said proceeds from the event will benefit the UHS junior class and their efforts to organize the annual prom held in the spring.

"Typically their fundraiser is for prom," she said. "The main project is for prom. They'll use any extra funds for other things."

Pre-registration is recommended before Aug. 25 if riders want to specify T-shirt size. To register, contact Rockhold at (620) 224-8842.

The Old Settlers Picnic, scheduled for Sept. 3-5, is a three-day celebration of Uniontown's history, as well as the original settlement of the town which occurred during the mid-1800s. This year's event includes the Uniontown Saddle Club 25th Annual Ranch Rodeo, a teen dance at the city park, and the 45th Annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo. Both rodeos will take place at the rodeo arena located just went of Uniontown.

Other events and activities include various games and contests, parades, a kids' fishing derby, live music and comedy, and a community picnic.

The Old Settlers Picnic originated in 1905.